expansion

Flame Heating Group is to realise its ambitious expansion plans after receiving significant financial backing from HSBC UK.

The Heating & Plumbing merchant is expecting to more than double its workforce with the creation of at least 60 new jobs after securing a £4m funding package from HSBC UK.

The deal will also see the Gateshead-headquartered company, which currently employs 59 staff, launch several branches in the North East and enter new regions over the next three years. 

Established in 2011 with a single branch in Gateshead, Flame has grown to become the North East’s fastest-growing Heating & Plumbing merchant, which currently operates 11 trade counters across the region and in Scotland.

Darlington-based M.a.f Plumbing, Heating & Gas Services is targeting expansion and job creation as it celebrates its fifth year in business. Mark Fryer, owner of M.a.f, is hoping to recruit at least two gas technicians within the next 12 months after developing the company over the last five years.

Mr Fryer, 39, has been involved in the Heating & Plumbing trade since a young age as his father was a plumber. 

He previously served in the Royal Logistic Corps of the Armed Forces for more than 16 years, which included tours of Afghanistan and Northern Ireland, obtaining the rank of Sergeant, before training to become a gas technician.