A DOCUMENT management specialist based in Woolston has unveiled expansion plans totalling £250,000.

Sharples Group, which is based at Tatton Court, on Kingsland Grange, is using the investment to increase its office and warehouse space to meet 'increasing demand'.

After it was established in 1977, the company has turned into a 26-employee, £3.2 million annual turnover print and copier business.

Sales director David Griffiths said the 'popularity and reputation' of products and services led to the funding decision.

He added: "We are preparing the documentation for a planning application which, if accepted, would provide us with a third more floor space than we currently have.

"If our application gets the go-ahead we could start work on the expansion work in the New Year.

"The new space will be designed sympathetically with the existing layout and will be a positive improvement from the point of view of staff and customers.

"This new investment is a move to facilitate further growth. The additional space will allow us to deal with an increasing number of clients in the positive and professional manner that our customers expect."

Mr Griffiths and fellow Sharples director Mark Brocklehurst joined forces to buy-out the company in 2002.

Earlier this year the firm beat competitors including Chester Zoo and Jodrell Bank to be crowned Cheshire's 'most responsible business practice'.

Bosses vowed to continue improving after scooping the accolade at the High Sheriff of Cheshire Enterprise Awards.