SUFFOLK-based overhead power line services contractor BTS Group has broadened its scope with the acquisition of a scaffolding company.

BTS, which is based at Needham Market, provides engineering and tree management support to electricity distribution network operators, being responsible for about 24,000 miles of power lines around the country.

It has now acquired Ipswich-based OBO Scaffolding, which provides scaffolding services to trade, private and public sector customers across East Anglia.

BTS managing director Halley McCallum, who founded the company in 1993, said scaffolding already featured regularly in the delivery of its services, for the safety of people working at height and to protect people and property below.

'Bringing OBO into the BTS Group will enable us to operate more efficiently,' he said. 'We can have scaffolding erected when and wherever we need it, and we will be able to pass on savings in time and money to our clients.'

However, the acquisition was also seen as a commercial opportunity for BTS, said Mr McCallum, adding: 'We're excited by the chance to build on OBO's commercial success and we're planning to expand its reach to attract a range of new customers.'

Gary Barker, formerly part owner of OBO, which was formed in 1976, and now its contract manager, said: 'We are delighted to now be part of the BTS Group and we're looking forward to contributing to an ambitious plan for the whole organisation.'