A HEATING and plumbing parts firm is targeting national growth and new jobs after a strong year.

Flame Heating Spares says annual sales increased to £14.5m, which was up from the £6.4m recorded 12 months previously.

Officials say it means the company, which employs more than 40 staff, has continued to report year-on-year growth since its foundation in 2011 by John Savage.

The update also comes just days after the business, headquartered in Gateshead, revealed a Scottish expansion through new trade counters in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Mr Savage, managing director, said he was pleased with the company’s progress, which has come against a backdrop of anxiety caused by the EU vote and the General Election.

He added: “It has been another strong year, buoyed by investments in new branches and our staff to meet increased demand.

“Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Brexit vote and General Election result, we are still continuing to push on with our expansion plans to create even more job opportunities that will support the long-term future of the company.

“We are now in the process of expanding into Scotland and this is an exciting development as they will be our first outside the company’s traditional North-East roots.

“This is another large stride forward to helping us realise our national ambitions and the future is looking bright.”

The company has a base on Dragonville Industrial Estate, on the outskirts of Durham City, as well as further branches in Sunderland and Stockton.

It also has sites in South Shields, South Tyneside, and Ashington, Northumberland.