A COMPANY has defied the current economic gloom by relocating and expanding.

Nelson-based Carpets Direct, which supplies carpets, laminate and Karndean flooring, has moved to a larger unit, on the Hendon Business Centre, Waterford Street, to cope with current demand and to allow its customer base to grow.

The firm has been able to expand thanks to a loan from award-winning Rosebud Finance, which is run by Lancashire County Council’s economic development department, called Lancashire County Developments Ltd (LCDL).

Mick Kimber, director of Carpets Direct, who set-up the company five years ago, said: “I have worked hard to build up a good customer base.

“I needed to get to grips with the expanding demand though so premises that offered enough space for stock and for actually being able to cut the carpets had become a necessity.”

County Coun Niki Penney, chair of LCDL, added: “It is fantastic to see a Lancashire business doing so well that it needs to expand.

“Mick is already providing contract work for five local tradesmen which can only be good news for Nelson and this part of East Lancashire and hopefully the business can continue to go from strength to strength.”

Rosebud Finance is owned Lancashire taxpayers and any profits and income made is reinvested, providing further opportunities for new clients. It has helped more than 400 businesses so far.