A NORTH Somerset-based offshore sub-sea engineering service company has announced plans to expand to new offices at Wick St Lawrence.

Agito-UK vice-president Gordon Haldane plans to recruit more staff over the next year as a response to an increased demand for the company’s services and signs of an economic upturn.

He said: “It is pleasing at a time when a lot of businesses are struggling or even going under, to be able to take these positive steps.

“Despite challenging business conditions, we are seeing more enquiries coming in and there is a clear demand for our services that was not there even a year ago.”

Agito-UK provides engineering services and specialist simulation software for the oil and gas industry.

The SimulationX software is unique in that it creates virtual models of undersea systems and enables users to assess the design’s dynamics and features.

Mr Haldane continued: “We are foreseeing providing additional career opportunities for suitably qualified local people at our new office suite at Ebdon Bow later this year.

“We have come a long way in a very short time and this move provides us with further opportunities to continue to build our successful team.”

The firm held a launch event at the end of April, hosting local dignitaries and partners from Norway, Brazil and the United States who flew in especially.