AN AWARD winning utilities and telecoms provider is preparing for growth with a move to Sale.

Verastar, which provides essential services to small businesses up and down the country, has signed a 15-year lease on 61,000 ft sq headquarters at No. 1 Dovecote off Old Hall Road.

The huge, fully refurbished property will be home to more than 700 staff, who are to relocate from the company's four current sites across south Manchester, in Sharston, Northenden and Sale; from late summer this year.

Verastar was named Business of the Year at the Greater Manchester Business Awards 2019, and offers telecoms, broadband, mobile, gas, electricity and water services on a one bill solution to more than 160,000 small businesses.

The firm is now hoping that the move will help facilitate further success and expansion as the company has experienced strong year-on-year growth and generated a record turnover of £148 million in 2018.

Recruitment is also on the agenda for Verastar as the seizable premises lend scope for a further 200 jobs.

A number of job opportunities are already up for grabs, including a range of contact centre roles, as well as a 12-month graduate management programme and a newly launched technology placement run in conjunction with the University of Manchester and Salford, Manchester Metropolitan and Bolton universities.

Chris Earle, CEO of Verastar, said: "The move to No.1 Dovecote comes at the perfect time as we continue our growth plans.

"We are a proud Manchester born and bred company and we were always going to keep our roots here.

"We’ve worked closely with PIN Property to ensure that we can offer our employees fantastic facilities at No.1 Dovecote along with great transport links and, most importantly, room for expansion.

"The whole Verastar team is looking forward to the move and the next stage of our journey."

No. 1 Dovecote, which is managed by PIN Property, underwent a complete refurbishment and remodelling after it was taken over by the current landlord in 2015.

The building is located just of the M60 and boasts facilities including a free onsite gym, subsidised cafe, car parking, and extensive landscaped grounds which provide a recreation space for staff.

Phil Meakin, leasing and development manager at PIN Property, said: "The onsite amenities coupled with a grade A refurbishment, generous car parking and excellent transport connectivity have all contributed to the success of the building.

"PIN Property are delighted to welcome Verastar to No.1 Dovecote."