A Bradford-based marketing agency is living up to its name by doubling its office space and taking on new staff.

Xpand Marketing has moved from Thornton Road into a new base on Bingley Road at Saltaire . The agency has also recruited another web designer to meet its growing workload, taking the team to three.

Owner Jag Panesar also plans to add an apprentice after supporting the T&A's 100 apprentices in 100 days campaign to boost the number of apprenticeships available in the district.

The move comes as Xpand celebrates its fifth anniversary after being launched by Mr Panesar in 2007 after he was made redundant from his marketing manager role at a local automotive manufacturer.

Originally working from home, he moved into the Thornton Road offices after nine months.

Xpand Marketing has worked with clients in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol and Northern Ireland in the public, private and not for profit sectors.

After two tough years, the agency has seen business revive and Mr Panesar is now working on expansion plans and to compete with larger agencies.

He said: “We’ve successfully pitched for some significant work with companies in the automotive, construction and energy sectors which has widened our client base.

“We will be working on everything from devising marketing strategy, web design, branding and public relations.

“After two terrible years, the past few months have seen us bounce back with these new contracts and other work which have enabled me to look at expansion and move into offices that will enable us to do that.

“Our turnover in the first six months of the current financial year was equivalent to the previous year and we're ahead of target for the year as a whole.” Xpand has recruited Joe Dimuantes to help with the increased number of contracts. He has joined the agency after working as a freelance graphic designer and as a touring musician.

Mr Panesar said: “Joe joined the team last month to support the increase in demand for our web design services. With Joe on board I can now focus on developing our strategy and PR services.

Mr Panesar also plans to take on a new apprentice graphic designer as part of his contribution to the T&A’s ‘100 apprentices in 100 days’ scheme.

He said: “I know how difficult it is to get your foot in the door when first starting in the marketing sector from my own experiences.

“After five years in business, I want to give new talent in the industry the opportunity to develop and the creative apprenticeship scheme seems like the perfect way.

“I’m Bradford born and bred and proud to contribute to our local economy.

“As long as the business continues to grow I’ll continue to employ from the Bradford district wherever possible. I want to see Bradford become a great city again.”