A HANDYMAN service which employs armed forces veterans is aiming to grow its business across the country.

Heroes4Hire-Handymen (H4H-H) has received the £250,000 from Bibby Financial Services (BFS).

H4H-H was launched by ex-RAF serviceman Nigel Blanchard in April to utilise the skills, work ethic and employability of those who have served in the armed forces.

Operating from its headquarters in Newton-le-Willows, on Crow Lane East, the business plans to expand into two further locations in the south east and south west.

It is also looking to offer its services to the rest of the UK through remote working.

H4H-H aims to build its workforce to 108 fully-trained veterans by December and has set its sights on employing 1,000 veterans within four years.

With sales growing exponentially, the business required funding to facilitate day to day operational expenses.

BFS's commercial finance team were able to provide a £250,000 funding line to support the firm's ongoing 'cashflow requirements'.

Mr Blanchard, who is chief executive of H4H-H, said: "H4H-H is one of the UK's first companies to proactively focus on training and employing ex-forces personnel and we're extremely pleased to have BFS on board as our funding partner.

"As an ex-RAF veteran myself, I have first-hand experience of the challenges that come with returning back from active duty.

"We're a lot more than just a business, we also provide transitional assistance when adjusting back to domestic life, offering direction, focus and stability to our staff.

"Ex-forces staff have an excellent work ethic and desire to learn, which is evident in the level of growth our company has experienced in just four months.

"Commercially, our business model has been a huge success so far.

"Now, we have plans to recruit significantly more veterans in the coming years and we're also looking to expand our product offering with full property maintenance services.

"BFS were able to offer the flexibility and construction sector experience we need in order to ensure that our business can continue to flourish.

"We look forward to working with BFS further as our business grows."

Vinnie Dobie, business development manager at BFS, added: "H4H-H is a truly unique and ethical business that combines the support of ex-servicemen and women through training programmes and a variety of high quality maintenance services.

"Their business model is one of a kind and we're delighted to support their growth.

"It's incredible to think that the business was only launched in April.

"Now that H4H-H has funding in place, they're no longer limited by cashflow restrictions and we look forward to seeing continued growth and successes in the future."