BUSINESS is on the up for a stair-lift manufacturer after chartered surveyors Whittle Jones helped the company consolidate operations on one site.

Bison Bede's move to 33,000sq ft of converted accommodation on Northern Trust Company's Number One Industrial Estate, Consett, County Durham, keeps about 150 jobs in the area.

The leading stair-lift manufacturer and bath-lift distributor is consolidating its three current Derwentside sites due to rapid growth and expansion plans for the future.

The company would have been forced to relocate outside the area if suitable premises had not been found.

David Lee, senior surveyor with Whittle Jones, was appointed to negotiate with existing lease holders to free up the new property and then arrange conversion, carried out by Whelan Ltd, to an extremely tight timetable.

He said: "It has been quite a complex operation, involving partners from the public and private sector, but we have managed to meet the company's needs and enable them to move and begin production."

The move has been backed by Derwentside District Council, Derwentside Industrial and Development Agency, and County Durham Development Company.

Operations began at the site last week. Bison Bede managing director Kees Van Wanrooij said: "Everyone involved in the process has worked extremely hard to make the move happen quickly and we appreciate all their efforts.

"The move will enable us to improve the success of the business internally and externally and allows Bison Bede to remain in an area where we have a supportive and committed workforce."