A FAMILY-RUN business is set to bring more jobs to the area after opening a new warehouse.

McMurrays Haulage Limited, in Church, has undergone a £750,000 expansion project which has seen it move to a new 16,000 sq ft warehouse and transit shed.

The haulage firm, which transports a variety of goods by lorry, has already brought in 20 new employees over the last two years.

Bosses said over the next two years they hope to offer another 20 new jobs to people in the surrounding area.

David McMurray, managing director, said: “The growth of the warehousing element of McMurrays is to diversify our portfolio and get involved in new markets.

“I am sure that this decision will help us to expand even further and bring in more staff which will be great for us and the region.”

Currently around 70 people from the Hyndburn area are employed by the business, which has seen an increase of staff numbers by 36 per cent in the last two years.

The warehouse moved from its old site in Blackburn Road, Accrington to help cope with additional demand after the company received an industry award.

The firm has been granted the Freight Operator Recognition Scheme Bronze Award, which recognises a company’s safety, efficiency and environmental protection.

The accreditation will help the company, established in Oswaldtwistle in 1971, trade with European businesses, who only deal with others who have achieved the status.

The award is the industry standard for best practice across the European fleet industry.

Mr McMurray paid tribute to all his existing staff for helping the company grow.

He said: “It is wonderful to have been presented with a FORS Bronze award.

“We have worked very hard over the years in all aspects of the business, whether it is vehicle safety or emissions, and this is the culmination of all of that hard work.

“We are very proud of all the staff here at McMurrays who have contributed to this.”

"The firms provides a wide range of transportation services to customers in the UK, Ireland and Europe."

Shahed Mahmood, president of Hyndburn Chamber of Trade, said it is great to see new job opportunities coming to the area.

He said: “It’s good news for the borough.

“There is a lot of work going on in the town centre of Accrington at the moment but its important not to forget other areas and businesses.

“For some like McMurrays who are a proven company with a great reputation to be expanding, it’s great to see.

“It’s about time Hyndburn was put on the map for business and I hope the expansion continues.”