A HAMPSHIRE firm which specialises in vehicle conversions is to develop a new trading premises in West Yorkshire.

Southampton-based VFS Ltd is opening a site in South Kirkby thanks to funding worth more than £1.5 million from NatWest.

The investment will allow the business, winners of ‘What Van’ Converter of the Year in 2016, to hire new employees and increase productivity.

VFS Ltd currently employs 60 but this will increase to more than 100 in the next three to five years as the business expands, say VFS.

The company, founded in 1995, supplies major brands such as Ford, Mercedes and Vauxhall. It also shares designs and manufacture with Scattolini SpA in Italy and Cabreta in France.

VFS managing director John Hanlon explained: “A modern, fully-equipped premises that utilises state-of-the-art technologies to meet both our needs and those of our customers is vital for the business.

"The new premises is ideally situated to serve our Northern and Midlands based customers, helping us to provide further access to our high quality products and services.”

NatWest Relationship Manager, Martin Ford, said: “VFS is an important business and employer in Southampton that prioritises quality and innovation. We are proud to be part of its growth and look forward to seeing the business continuing to develop and boosting the local economy.”