AN expanding specialist chartered quantity surveyors practice is to establish a new energy hub in Cumbria.

Solomons Europe is hunting for premises in the west of the region so it can be at the heart of investments and projects taking place in the nuclear and related energy sectors.

The company specialises in the process and energy sectors and already has a Cumbria office at Crooklands, near Kendal. It employs more than 50 people across the UK with bases in Newton-le-Willows and Hartlepool.

The push for a second Cumbrian office coincides with a recruitment drive to build a team to support the company’s ambitious growth plans.

Dominic Doig, managing director of Solomons Europe, said: “As a resident of Cumbria, I may not quite be as impartial as others in extolling its many virtues, but as managing director of Solomons, I take an impartial view of the business opportunities this unique county offers.

“There is much investment going on in Cumbria, and we are set to position ourselves to take part in some exciting and influential projects. So for us, it’s all about building foundations to cement lasting relationships for the future, and securing the right team to help us expand our presence.”

Cumbria is home to a number of high profile Solomons Europe clients including Morgan Sindall, Doosan Power Systems and Jacobs Field Services, as well as being a long-term home for four of its senior directors.

The company is working with Choose Cumbria – the marketing initiative which helps to attract talent to the county – to support its recruitment drive. Opportunities for a project quantity surveyor and senior quantity surveyor are set to be the first of several career opportunities available in the county during the next 12 months.

Solomon Europe’s strategic director Kerry Doig added: “We are all truly passionate about the prospects Cumbria can offer to people seeking both an exciting and varied career, as well as such a unique work life balance – from office to fell in minutes.”

In addition to various professional and personal benefits for staff, one notable perk for all Solomon Europe employees is an opportunity for them and their families to take one week’s holiday per year in the company lodge near Troutbeck, Windermere.