A global consultancy firm is expanding its presence in Cumbria with a £460,000 investment in its Barrow office.

Jacobs has secured the office on the town's Trinity Enterprise Centre under a lease until 2028.

It will accommodate 40 people covering the areas of sustainability, ports and maritime, asset refurbishment, renewal and management and environmental and geotechnical engineering.

The company says the new office will help provide greater opportunities for skills development for employees and new recruits, including graduates and apprentices.

“Expanding our operations in Barrow enables us to work adjacent to the major programmes we’re supporting and find better ways to help address priorities around sustainability, resiliency and security,” said Jacobs aerospace, technology and nuclear international senior vice president and general manager Pete Lutwyche.

“We are helping to develop a lasting, internationally competitive skills base here, with opportunities for innovation and collaboration to support sustainable, inclusive growth in Barrow.”

Jacobs has had a base in Barrow for 12 years, working on projects for BAE Systems including the Devonshire Dock Hall Recladding, Devonshire Dock Quay, and ongoing technical support.

Employees at the office work on local and global projects with graduates and apprentices currently engaged in a variety of development programmes.

The company also has a network of science, technology, engineering and mathematics ambassadors participating in initiatives at local schools.