AN AWARD-winning East Lancashire IT specialist has announced a major expansion without having to move.

Holker Network Solutions, based in Colne, is spending upwards of £60,000 on the ambitious scheme to treble the size of its operation.

The firm won the Lancashire Telegraph small business of the year last November.

Work on the project to take over the entire downstairs of the Holker Business Centre — the firm’s home since conception three years ago — is set to be completed by mid-March.

It will provide the enterprising young firm with dedicated engineering and sales areas, meeting, training and conference rooms, an open plan office, a loading bay and stores.

“We originally hoped to expand in 2014 but an increase in business means we have brought everything forward a year,” said 30-year-old managing director Matthew Metcalfe, who founded Holker Network Solutions with an additional site in Burnley, three years ago. The firm has increased annual profits tenfold in the past year and recently invested in a state-of-the-art data security system christened ‘The Holk’.

“These are exciting times for us and we are immensely proud of our on-going progress and development.

“The new set-up will take us to a new level and increase our overall efficiency and levels of client care.

“To be able to do all of that and still stay within our ‘home’ environment is even more pleasing.”