A FAMILY-RUN wholesaler has set a £1.5m sales target after expanding its presence in the region.

Bondgate Electrical Distribution has set up base on Abbey Road Industrial Estate, on the outskirts of Durham City.

The company, which opened its head office in Bishop Auckland in the early 1990s, says it expects the site to deliver annual sales of around £1.5m once fully established.

The business sells a variety of goods, including lighting, showers, hand-dryers and sockets and supplies parts to customers of all sizes, from contractors working on housing developments to soletrading electricians.

It employs 17 members of staff across its branch network, which includes further sites in Stockton and North Shields, North Tyneside.

However, managing director Richard Stanley, from Sedgefield, County Durham, said Abbey Road will provide fresh impetus.

He said: “Expanding into Durham was a natural move as it allows us to better serve existing customers in the area and look to work with new customers.

“It also strengthens the branch coverage and is the next step in our growth plans over the coming 18 months.”

Mr Stanley said its Durham venture will be led by branch manager Neil Turnball, 54, who will be supported by Graham Crutwell, who joined Bondgate from a market rival.

Mr Turnball, from Durham, said he aims to use his knowledge of the region and the sector to set about meeting the company’s sales target.

He said: “I’ve worked in the area for more than 30 years in this industry and I personally want to take the branch from standing start to £150,000 a month.”

Mr Crutwell added: “This branch covers a large area and there is a lot of competition, but that means there are also a lot of opportunities.

“We want to build up a great customer base.”