A commercial decorating company is launching a recruitment drive as it expands its operation across the country.

Story Decorating, which is based in Carlisle with a regional office in Salford, carries out commercial painting jobs across the UK.

The company’s work has led to it being recognised as preferred supplier for major construction companies Kier and Morgan Sindall.

It was also shortlisted in the final of the Painter of the Year awards earlier this year in Manchester.

In July the company received a commended award for its work redecorating Carlisle Lake District Airport ahead of the advent of passenger flights.

It is currently engaged in work on the new arrivals and departures pier at Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2.

In addition, it also picked up two highly commended awards for work at Edinburgh Airports’ Hampton by Hilton hotel and the new DTI Technology Institute at Edinburgh University.

Claire Story, communications manager for Story, said: “What a year we have had so far. The standard of work in our industry really is at its highest so to be able to be recognised in these categories on a national scale just shows the quality of work our teams are carrying out.

“Even our apprentices are successfully entering competitions which is an amazing achievement for both us and them as they are the lifeblood of our business.”

In addition to these successes, the company has secured contracts at Manchester Airport, East Lothian Community Hospital, training provider Kaplan in Liverpool, as well contracts in Manchester city centre, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cumbria and Lancaster.

Claire said the increased workload so far this year had already led to the company appointing six new office positions.

It also employs a number of apprentices, including four from Bolton College, and an apprentice painter and administration apprentice in Carlisle.

This year, apprentice Amber Glennie entered the regional SkillBuild competition hosted by Bolton College and organised by the Construction Industry Training Board

Claire added there was a constant need to recruit painters of all levels of ability as well as site supervisors to bolster its 100 strong team.

“We’ve created lots of new roles, we’re just so busy,” she said.

Story Decorating Group was founded in 1974 by Robert Story, with his son Rob now working as its managing director.

Initially based in Silloth, it moved to Maryport before establishing its current headquarters on Brunthill Road, Kingstown.