A MAJOR expansion to a borough business hub has been unveiled by a borough MP

Sale and Altrincham West's Sir Graham Brady was the guest of honour as Add People unveiled a 3,000 square foot addition to their base in Scott Drive, Hale.

In a few years the venture, which is part of the Thrive Media Group and supports small and medium-sized enterprises with their online activities, has grown from less than 50 members to the 140 involved today.

Sir Graham said at the launch: "From when I last visited here eight years ago to seeing the spectacular growth, from fewer than 50 people to around 140 people today is an amazing achievement.

"But also, the fact that it is a business that focuses on helping small business to grow, ensures the work that they are doing is helping so many other people to prosper and thrive.

"Not only this but in helping these companies grow from being start-ups to becoming successful bigger businesses, they are helping the whole of the economy.’

Grant Barton, co-chairman of Add People, added: "The success we have seen with two significant new product launches over the last 12 months and the growth of the team, has given us the confidence and support we have needed to grow as a business.

"With plans for international expansion in the coming year and with additional investment in the business we see a promising forecast for sustainable growth."

The company, which has been trading for more than 17 years, says it is now one of Altrincham's largest employers and is keen to expand still further.

In the past year alone the outfit has taken on 25 new staff members and there are plans to create another 25 posts during 2020, assisting with everything from SEO capabilities to websites, Google adds and Facebook marketing.

An Add People spokesman said: "Helping support growth within the local community, the team is now made up of 140 staff members with a collective 17 years of experience, servicing 4,000 clients.

"This year has seen us launch two new products that help support the growth of clients’ businesses online - making strides within the industry by making it easier for small business to navigate Google products and to gain online reviews. Internationally, they are already offering services in South Africa, Australia and Ireland, and this year have plans to launch the new SaaS products in the US."