A MOTOR dealership in County Durham is planning to double its workforce after investment in the business has seen its annual turnover top £28m.

The Hillcrest Group, based in Seaham, is now the UK's main online dealer in new cars, and has made significant advances after setting up new businesses and investing in information technology to maximise its market.

The group, set up in the region more than 30 years ago, has invested in marketing and website development, and has seen business increase by 25 per cent in the past few months.

As a result, it plans to double the current workforce of 13 in the next year.

Hillcrest built up a successful wholesale business, before setting up Factory Outlet Cars, at the Dalton Park Retail Centre, in County Durham, three years ago, which provides new cars at factory outlet prices to private buyers. Last year, the group also moved into leasing with Lease Partners.

With support from Business Link in County Durham, the group's turnover has now reached £28m.

Angela Murrish, Hillcrest's marketing and sales executive, said: "The leasing side is expanding particularly fast as a rapidly-growing number of private car owners find it is a cost-effective option that avoids depreciation costs. The whole group is developing and expanding."

Business Link account manager Andy Lowes said: "The investment in websites and marketing has had a dramatic effect on the group's companies. In discussing the business, we were able to identify that we could also help Hillcrest access advice from financial experts enabling them to plan for the group's future development."