SECURITY firm 2020 Vision has embarked on the first stage of its ambitious expansion plans by opening an office on the M62 corridor.

The CCTV firm plans to increase turnover from £3.5m to £10m within five years and the first step is expansion into Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.

After that, 2020 wants to expand into Birmingham, then eventually to London, growing organically and through acquisitions.

The North Shields company has appointed security expert Dave Allen to head its new office in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

It is predicted the Yorkshire office will eventually be larger than the Tyneside headquarters, and at least seven staff will be taken on over the next year.

The company is also planning to increase staff numbers in Tyneside, although it has no firm predictions of numbers.

Mr Allen said: "I am excited to join 2020 as it embarks on a new phase of growth."

2020 Vision was established in the North-East in 1992 and specialises in security systems such as CCTV, remote site monitoring, access control and concierge services. It has provided security in hospitals, casinos, sports stadia, and Government offices.