One of Swaffham's largest employers is expanding its business in the town, thanks to cash from Breckland Council, it has been revealed.The authority has agreed to invest in a 4,300sq ft extension at construction firm Mansell's base at the EcoTech Business Park in the town.

One of Swaffham's largest employers is expanding its business in the town, thanks to cash from Breckland Council, it has been revealed.

The authority has agreed to invest in a 4,300sq ft extension at construction firm Mansell's base at the EcoTech Business Park in the town.

It will be for what the firm says is much-needed additional office space and bespoke training facilities for staff at the council-owned facility.

From its Swaffham base, Mansell delivers construction projects across East Anglia and in 2007 it says it achieved a record turnover of £60 million.

It wants to expand because it anticipates further growth in the next few years, specifically in community projects in sectors such as health, further education, and affordable housing.

The council's cabinet agreed to spend the cash 'both as an investment opportunity for the council and to enable an existing company to expand and remain within the Breckland district'.

But would not reveal how much will be spent on the extension as it was still in discussion with Mansell, who would carry out the work themselves.

Council bosses added that the cash spent will be an investment in council-owned property.

Ray Johnson, assistant director at Breckland, said: “Mansell has been a good tenant of Breckland council for four years and we are delighted that we are in a position to help the company with their plans for expansion in the district.

“We see this as a good investment opportunity.

“By releasing these funds we are adding value to a building which we already own and are increasing rental revenue from it.”

Mansell has been based in Swaffham since 2003 and with 180 staff at the site is one of Swaffham's largest employers.

The firm built the Hethel Engineering Centre and has recently been awarded a £9m contract to built a new complex needs school in King's Lynn.

Dean Burgess, regional managing director of Mansell, said: “Mansell is committed to staying in Breckland and we are thrilled that we are able to expand from our current site.”

“It is hoped that this extension will add another 4,300sq ft of space which will provide much-needed additional office space and bespoke training facilities for our staff.”

He added: “Mansell intends to remain a significant employer of local people both directly and through arrangements with local specialists and suppliers. The business is proud to be part of the Breckland area employing local people on community projects.”