A PENDLE company has bucked the financial trend after announcing its expansion during the credit crunch.

Kirk Environmental Ltd based in Reedyford Road, Nelson, is developing its international energy market in Korea, Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia.

The company, which employs more than 100 staff, is holding a recruitment day this month to boost its workforce in a bid to expand in 2010.

Chief Executive officer Gary Little said: “We are very fortunate to be in such a strong position given the current economic climate and our success can only be attributed to the increase in demand for renewable energy and our own specialist contracting.

“Kirk is a specialist contractor in anaerobic digestion treatment works and due to the increase in demand for renewable energy from anaerobic digestion both in the UK and International we are looking to develop and increase our workforce to provide a more professional, efficient and comp-etitive service to our clients.”

It is understood that around 12 jobs will be created as a result of the recruitment drive on December 14 and more opportunities will surface in the new year.

Coun Allan Buck, Pendle council’s lead for economic development, said: “We’ve been delighted to support Kirk Environmental over the last two years and to play a part in their success.

“Pendle Council has provided grants to help with buildings in the run up to re-location and for machinery.

“We’re impressed with the way they’ve developed their business and targeted global markets and are glad we’ve been able to help in their expansion.

“Pendle is keen to support businesses like Kirk and to do everything thing we can to help them, especially as they are an environmental business.”

The recruitment drive will be held in the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors, from 4pm to 8pm.