A Bradford archaeological business associated with the Time Team television series is set for substantial growth by helping the construction sector avoid damaging the environment and buried heritage.

Thornton-based GSB Prospection is on course to double its turnover to £500,000 this year.

Established in 1986, it specialises in archaeological geophysics and checks for hidden and historic sites before major developments such as new housing, solar or windfarms and highways begin. Eighty per cent of its clients are in the housing and development sector.

The company has expanded its team to 12 and is now part of national survey delivery network following guidance from the Rising Stars growth programme jointly delivered by Bradford Council and Bradford Chamber of Commerce.

Managing director John Gater said Rising Stars provided a boost to the business three years ago when the recession took hold.

He said: “Organisations have gradually become more environmentally aware and combined with the Government’s demands on developers to survey land ahead of the build process, we were in real demand until about five years ago.

“Because we are reliant on an economy that promotes building and developing, when building work stopped, the need for our services and our staff reduced. Cash flow became so tight that we minimised our expenditure and it started to feel like we were going backwards.”

Bradford Chamber put John in touch with Rising Stars and adviser Phil Harrison audited the business and explored ways of managing the recession and preparing for the upturn by reducing its reliance on archaeology as well as advice on funding for new equipment, advertising and staff training.

John added: “We knew the economy would improve and we needed to be in a position to have the right personnel and equipment to deal with the shift when it came.

“Getting funding from the banks was impossible but with Rising Stars’ guidance, I accessed around £10,000 which gave me the confidence to employ two more people, advertise, invest in new survey equipment and prepare for the future.”

GSB has now doubled its income and broadened its offering to include utilities detection. With Rising Stars support it also managed the disruption to cash flow following the end of Channel 4’s Time Team.