A pioneering technology company is set to extend its international reach by exploiting potential growth areas in the telecommunications market.

To help its expansion, Shipley-based Radio Design turned to the Rising Stars programme from Bradford Council and Bradford Chamber of Commerce.

Business advisor Haroon Qammar conducted an assessment of the business and helped it secure a £10,000 grant which was used towards buying new test equipment for its latest products.

Launched in 2007, Radio Design has grown from 11 to 200 staff, recently adding 24 recruits and has expanded its UK production space. The business also has manufacturing operations in China, India and Finland and founder Eric Hawthorn envisages creating up to 1,000 jobs over five years.

The company manufactured the world’s first technology enabling leading mobile phone network operators to share communications masts. It has identified growth potential in supplying equipment to wireless communications infrastructure providers and bosses recognised funding and external support was needed.

Global operations director Paul Trigg said: “We needed to evolve our offering in a fast-moving market and to do this required significant investment in test equipment and more space. We were experiencing an increase in the volume of work and were reaching full capacity which was creating bottlenecks in service delivery. We knew we needed more floorspace, increased workforce and capital equipment funding to help sustain and develop production and output.

“The grant contributed to the cost of investment in test equipment and supported our move into larger premises. Rising Stars offered guidance and funds during a crucial time in our business development.

“We are continuing to invest in specialist test equipment to sustain our growth in the wireless communications market and are now focusing on meeting the site sharing demands of major telecoms providers.

“While further global targets are part of our business strategy, a key part of our growth was supported by resources on our doorstep.”

Carolyn Coleman, Rising Stars business services manager, said: “Radio Design is developing into overseas markets thanks to its home grown talents and we are delighted the support of our advisers and our access to funding has paid a key part in its development.”

Coun Susan Hinchcliffe, executive member for employment, skills and culture, added: “This is a forward thinking Bradford-based business which is truly at the leading edge of an expanding, international high growth industry.”

Eric Hawthorn, is the lead ambassador for Leeds City Region’s We Are International campaign, which aims to add £1.6 billion to the region economy.”