A ROOFING firm owned by AIM-listed building services group Northern Bear has expanded into Greater Manchester and its new operation already has an order book of £2m.

Jennings Roofing Manchester has established a base at Pilsworth Industrial Estate, Bury. It is a sister business to the £10m-turnover, Leeds-based Jennings Roofing and takes the number of operating businesses in the Northern Bear group to 13.

It has recruited 26 staff and expects staff numbers to reach 35 in its first year, as well as using local sub-contractors.

Northern Bear operations director Graham Jennings said: "We are delighted to be opening our latest business in the north west. It is our intention to search for similar opportunities for other Northern Bear businesses that can be built around existing customer relations.

"Organic growth is particularly important in the current economic climate."

Reporting to Mr Jennings will be Manchester managing director Eric Holmes.