A FAMILY-RUN taxi firm founded with just three vehicles is now spending £1m to continue its growth.

Boro Taxis, based in Cargo Fleet, near Middlesbrough, has invested £400,000 to upgrade its fleet, with bosses planning to spend another £600,000 on new cars and minibuses.

The company, which employs about 800 workers, bought eight mini buses and 14 saloon cars from Middlesbrough-based Jennings Group.

The deals mean the private hire firm, set up in 1982 by Mohammed Bashir, now has nearly 700 vehicles.

However, Mr Bashir said the company carries out up to 80,000 journeys every week, taking thousands of people to destinations across the area, and was committed to increasing its reach further.

He said: “The investment in our fleet demonstrates a confidence in the market and the Tees Valley in general as well as a commitment to customer care.

“The level of business we are experiencing is really encouraging and as a result we have taken the decision to make a significant investment in our fleet, as central to the business is the quality of service we provide.

“Wherever possible we like to build up business relationships with local firms and we chose Jennings Group to supply our new mini buses due to their first class customer care and after sales service.”

Nas Khan, Jennings' managing director, said the company was delighted to support a fellow local firm's growth.

He said: “We are proud to be part of the Tees Valley business community and to have been selected to supply a successful firm like Boro Taxis.

“We like to forge working partnerships with companies in the area and are pleased to be recognised by an organisation of Boro Taxis’ standing for meeting their high standard of requirements.”