A THRIVING Bury-based construction company is building itself an enviable reputation by capturing a lucrative £1 million contract and recruiting up to 60 new staff.

And a thankful Bury couple who found out to their cost that cheapest doesn't always mean the best owe Platt Building & Construction a debt of gratitude.

For when Lisa and John Dunleavy were left high and dry by another builder during extension work at their Springside Road house, Platt's rode to the rescue and completed the job.

And Mr Robin Platt says this incident should serve as a salutary lesson to other householders considering building work.

"Cheapest doesn't always necessarily mean the best," he says. "I would advise people to get written references concerning the company they choose and to look at other work they've carried out in the past. It's important that they do this."

And when it come to personal recommendations, Lisa and John Dunleavy can certainly praise the action of Platt's in completing their house extension.

"We shopped around, compared quotes and checked out builders' work, but ultimately went for the cheapest quote," recalled Lisa.

But the builder they selected walked off the job, leaving the extension half-finished. After a recommendation from a family friend, they contacted Platt's, which has its headquarters in Pearson Street . "They were fantastic. They finished off the job and we were delighted with the extension," Lisa added.

Robin harnesses his expertise which he has gained over many years in the construction industry. "I've been in the building trade for the past 25 years and last year I set up my own limited company."

Platt's has just secured a key contract for a new factory being built by Shuttleworth-based Garic Plant Hire.

Heath Singleton, Platt's contracts manager, said: "The building is to take place in three phases, the first one of which is worth £1 million."

The Bury company, which carries out both commercial and domestic work, will soon be embarking on a recruitment drive to take on between 50 and 60 extra staff to boost its existing 20-strong workforce.