A CONSTRUCTION firm is pushing on with plans to nurture the next generation of North-East workers.

Esh Group, in Bowburn, near Durham City, is extending its headquarters to build a training academy, aimed at developing its staff of tomorrow.

The site, due to be open by the middle of next year, will cater for apprentices, with Esh looking to take on 60 this year, after recruiting 60 last year, and planning to have at least 150 by 2016.

The Northern Echo reported in April how the company had secured planning permission for the development, and Brian Manning, group chief executive, said the move would be integral to its future.

Mr Manning said the company, and wider construction industry, still has work to do to encourage more youngsters, but said the academy would be a major advantage as it looks to increase the sector’s appeal, which was dented during the economic downturn.

He told The Northern Echo: “Children were previously signposted towards further education, which, at the time, was probably the right thing.

“But now the situation has changed, we need to do more with schools to get the message out.

“I’m not putting down further education, but if there is an opportunity for more jobs with education alongside, I think that’s better.

“That’s why we are building the new training academy.”

Mr Manning was speaking after Esh, which employs more than 1,200 staff across its varied operations, revealed strong financial results for the year to December 2014.

The firm said turnover was 43 per cent higher to £277m, with pre-tax profits up from £3.2m to £9.5m.

The company’s balance sheet stood at £37m, with a strong cash position at year end of £32m.

Mr Manning said the company’s diversification was key to its success, with the firm known for its many divisions covering areas such as construction, property services, engineering and fencing and landscaping.

Those areas also comprise Esh Border Construction, which has allowed the firm to move into Cumbria and Scotland.

He added: “We have always been a strong business and we have had a good year.

“The significant geographical reach of our diverse range of construction and property businesses, supported by a strong financial base built up by shareholders over a number of years, has been key to our growth.”