A CATERING firm has plans to expand after setting up home at the base of a support organisation.

Rob Collier has founded @Thirteen at Tata Steel business subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise’s (UKSE) Innovation Centre, in Hartlepool.

Mr Collier, who also runs Advanced Retail Solutions in the centre, is now catering for more than 40 companies at the site.

He said: “We love the Innovation Centre and it’s the perfect environment to start a business.

“Advanced Retail Solutions has expanded massively here and we now occupy two of the largest units.

“It is already one of the largest distributors in the UK and carries goods for many major independent wholesalers.

“We are about to add another two sales managers to our team of 11 and have a second office and distribution centre in Manchester.”

Joan Cook, from UKSE, added: “We were very pleased when Rob, who has grown his distribution business very successfully from our centre, suggested @Thirteen.”

Last week, The Northern Echo revealed UKSE had provided £25,000 funding for youngsters taking part in 11 Prince’s Trust team programmes run by Stockton Riverside College, to carry out community projects and help them get on the jobs ladder.