AN energy consultancy firm says it will nurture the next generation after revealing plans to create scores of North-East jobs.

Utility Alliance has been launched to help cut firms’ energy consumption.

A joint venture between Bob Moore and Darren Sutherland, the Hartlepool-based firm has unveiled ambitious plans to take on 50 workers, including 16 apprentices.

Mr Moore said it hoped to make two senior appointments by the end of the year, with younger workers expected to join in the same time frame as energy consultants.

He added its workforce would be strengthened again throughout 2016.

The firm, based at the town’s Queens Meadow Business Park, helps businesses look at their energy use, offering support to cut bills by finding the best tariffs.

The duo have extensive experience of the industry, having worked for Utilitywise, in South Shields, South Tyneside, which manages energy meters and brokers competitive gas and electricity tariffs for major UK businesses.

Mr Moore said: “I have lived in Hartlepool all my life and, along with Darren, have got the experience and cut my teeth in the sector.

“We want to bring the same opportunities we have worked on to Teesside and Durham.

“We have just started but have plans to expand quickly.

“There will be two senior people in by the end of the year, and we are looking at 16 apprentices, and will be working with the council and Hartlepool College.

“We expect to have between 40 and 50 people in by the end of our second year.”

The company’s plans came as fellow Hartlepool firm J and B Recycling announced new jobs of its own.

The firm, which employs nearly 200 staff, took on 33 people in September last year, with a further eight joining this year.

However, it has now welcomed a mechanical engineer to work alongside a fitter, and created a new role for an electrical engineer.

Two quality inspectors have also been taken on to check loads.

Vikki Jackson-Smith, managing director, added: “The business is continuing to grow and we hope to be able to create more employment opportunities in the future.”

The firm recycles more than 100,000 tonnes of waste every year from household, commercial, industrial and construction bases, and counts Camerons Brewery as one of its stellar customers.