Building firm Forum Contracts is branching out from its Essex roots into Suffolk and Norfolk, under a partnership with the East of England Co-op.
Forum, which is based in Wickford, last year worked on the creation of a 'new generation' supermarket in Woodbridge for the co-op, the largest independent retailer in East Anglia, and is currently involved in a similar project in Acle.
It also recently completed five one- and two-bedroom flats in Dovercourt, through the conversion of vacant space above a convenience store and a newly-built extension. The homes, which remain owned by the co-op, will be available for rent later this year.
As a result of growth in Suffolk and Norfolk, where it now employs more than 50 people, Forum has also taken space at the co-op's Wherstead Park headquarters, near Ipswich, where other tenants include the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership.
Nick Denny, joint chief executive at the East of England Co-op, said the society believed in supporting local businesses, in order to keep money in the local economy, and this approach was shared by Forum Contracts, through a policy of sourcing construction materials from local suppliers.
'As a local business we're proud to be investing over £500,000 in the region,' said Mr Denny. 'Working with local contractors and consultants, we're helping to protect and create new jobs, giving them the confidence to grow and invest in their business, whilst also providing new services and much needed housing for the local community.'
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