A WEBSITE has helped a County Durham leisure vehicle specialist to double the size of its premises and treble its workforce.

Since launching itself online, Geist Direct is now attracting orders from as far away as Australia and New Zealand, as well as across the UK, and is attracting increased numbers of visitors to view its range of motorhomes and caravans at its site in Birtley, County Durham.

As a result of the surge in interest, Geist Direct has been able to increase staff numbers from four to 12, and the company has moved from a 16,000sq ft site in Follingsby to premises twice the size in Birtley, as well as expanding its sales premises in Lincoln.

Developed by Gatesheadbased digital experts Industrial Strength, the website – geistforlife.com – allows visitors to take virtual tours of new and used caravans and motorhomes, watch video clips of the design and manufacturing process, and even “build” a vehicle to their specification.

Patrick Carlin, Geist Direct’s director, said: “The experts at Industrial Strength have given us a worldwide sales portal that builds closer relationships with our customers as well as expanding our geographic reach.

“It is no exaggeration to say that the site is now an integral part of our marketing efforts.”

Industrial Strength managing director Richard Myers said: “It was great to be chosen by Geist to develop a website that would give them the online tools to allow them to sell direct to the public.”