TELEPHONE software specialists Ryder Systems has expanded its operations in Blackburn to cope with an increase in staff needed for its continued expansion.

Foreign Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw officially opened its new office at the Daisyfield Business Centre.

Ryder Systems - winner of the Innovation and Design prize at the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's Business Awards 2003 - is the European leader in providing bill management solutions to telecommunication operators.

It works with industry leaders such as Vodaphone, T-Mobile, Orange and eircom and needs the additional space for the software developers being brought in to take on new, high-level contracts.

Ryder has evolved with the ever-changing telco market and its bill management software allows users to analyse and manage their telephone expenditure, voice calls, data activity and mobile traffic.

Over the past two years, staff numbers have risen from 20 to 60 and additional staff will be brought in over the next 12 months. With the growth of the company's web-based solutions and the globalisation of the major 'Telcos', Ryder has introduced its solutions into Asian Pacific rim and in September 2002 opened an Australian office to act as a hub for activity in this region.

Andy Wilson, sales and marketing director, said the official opening ceremony had been attended by the company's suppliers and key customers.

"We were delighted that Mr Straw could attend our opening ceremony," he said. "We are a fast-growing company, committed to employing local talent and this is an indication of our success within our field."