A SPECIALIST plastering and flooring contractor in the region plans to increase annual turnover by £250,000 and take on ten staff a year.

Tabner Plastering Contractors, which is based on Teesside, reported record turnover of £1.25m for the year to April 30, up £250,000 on last year. The company, which has increased its workforce to 43 during the past year, said it had invested in new techniques and focused on the design and installation of steel-framed building systems.

Dave Tabner, managing director of the Middlesbrough company, said: "Steel-framed wall systems are quick and easy to install, they are lighter than traditional timber systems, yet are more stable and offer improved fire safety qualities.

"They give property developers a cost-effective alternative to traditional wet plastering techniques, whether they are involved in new-build projects or property conversion and refurbishment."

Most recently, its expertise won Tabner a £120,000 contract with Topmac Developments during the construction of 30 flats in Middlesbrough.

The contract win followed the successful completion of an £80,000 contract for Topmac for 13 flats in Normanby, and the two companies are in negotiations over work on a seven-storey block of flats in Stockton, to start in the summer.

Tabner, based in Skippers Lane, is also working on a £150,000 contract in Shotley Bridge for Lumsden and Carroll, and on an apartment complex in Yarm, for Henleys, worth £110,000.

It has also been awarded work by Darlington Borough Council during the third phase of a flats development in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

Mr Tabner said: "Our long-term business plan is to grow the company at a rate of ten employees and £250,000 turnover each year.

"Thanks to a healthy order book, we have achieved both and, in respect of giving customers added value, we have developed our skills base."