PAVING specialist Sharcon has invested £100,000 in new products, as it looks to expand into new markets.

The Shildon, County Durham, business has worked with experts from Sedgefield Borough Business Service (SBBS) on a plan to boost its development.

Graham Sewell, business development advisor at SBBS, has worked with Sharcon owner Alan Corner, to develop a plan, over 18 months.

That plan has included contacting the National Association of Monumental Masons and potential customers across the region.

Mr Corner has won orders from eight new customers in the past six months and expanded the product range to include grave surrounds, monumental sub-structures and pet cemetery plaques.

Company turnover is set to increase by 20 per cent in the current year.

Mr Corner said: "I am delighted with the input from Graham and the mentoring programme offered through SBBS. His business experience has enabled me to explore viable options for my business and guided me on an investment plan that has helped expand the customer base."

"Company growth is no longer restricted by a seasonal market."