An innovative Cumbrian business has expanded with the opening of a new office.

Rovtech Solutions, which is based in Barrow, has established the new facility at Lillyhall, near Workington, with the promise of new jobs in the future.

The 30-year-old company, which provides harsh environment tooling and remotely operated vehicles for the nuclear, oil and gas industries, was bought out by management last year.

Three senior managers - Steve Phelps, Barry Vernon and Graham McAvoy - bought a majority stake in the business founded by Howard Smith and Keith Johnson.

Steve Phelps, Rovtech's managing director, said: "These are exciting times for Rovtech Solutions.

"Since our management buy-in last year we've seen significant growth in the business.

"A lot of time and effort has been spent with a focus on business excellence."

Graham McAvoy, development director, will be based at the Lillyhall office full time.

Mr Phelps added: "Graham would like to invite industry colleagues old and new to come along to the new office to discuss future business and collaboration and says his door is always open to new and interesting ideas."

He said that as the business grows Rovtech will recruit sales administration staff as well as engineers to support further expansion in both Barrow and west Cumbria.

Rovtech invested recently in its quality and health and safety management systems and is involved in new product development for the nuclear, oil, gas and biomass energy markets.

The new offices will be used to develop and support its UK and international sales and will provide a hub for their network of nuclear businesses which support decommissioning at Sellafield.