An investment management firm has moved to new offices capable of accommodating 250 employees after its staff numbers grew 35% in the last two years.

Hargreave Hale has relocated its Blackpool headquarters as it seeks to expand further. Employee numbers at the former Blackpool office grew from 91 to 122 in the last two years.

The firm told FPT it has plans to add even more staff. It is currently on a recruitment drive and aims to attract graduates of local schools and colleges.

The new 20,000 square foot office, located at WhiteHills Business Park, will help the firm cope with growing demand for bespoke investment management services, officials said.

It will be home to administration and IT functions as well as the front office investment team.

Hargreave Hale, which has been based in the region for over 100 years, employs 244 people in total, having opened new offices in York, Norwich and Nottingham in the last two years, whilst also expanding some of its regional hubs, with the Worcester office relocating to a larger site last year.

Stuart Brookes, pictured above, joint managing director at Hargreave Hale, said: “We are pleased to celebrate the opening of our new headquarters in Blackpool, having already been based in the region for over 100 years. In just the last 2 years we have seen staffing levels increase by around 35% and our new premises will allow for further expansion.

“In terms of job creation and the apprenticeship programme we are currently developing, this move gives us the opportunity to make a very important contribution to the local economy.”