AN international software consultancy based in Bradford on Avon is to expand its award-winning offices with an investment of £750,000.

MPC Data Limited, based at the former gasworks in Frome Road, also plans to take on extra staff to meet new business commitments and needs bigger premises.

Director Steve Harper said: "We work on projects for people all over the world, all from the old gasworks here.

"It is a very pleasant place to live and work and quality of life is important.

"We could go somewhere like the White Horse Business Park but we don't really want to do that.

"We would like to stay in Bradford. It has been part of our success."

The firm, which specialises in developing systems software for technology-based companies like Sony, Hitachi and Motorola, has grown rapidly since it started ten years ago with just four employees.

It is now one of the town's largest employers with more than 40 staff.

MPC Data took additional office space in the Old Brewery at Newtown 18 months ago but both premises are now working to full capacity.

Mr Harper said: "We have a long history of involvement with the town.

"We would much prefer to increase our connections by remaining here and employing more people locally, rather than having to move out of town."

The company has been in talks with West Wiltshire District Council about its proposals to expand on land next to the Frome Road site.

It is intended the new offices should reflect the character of the surrounding buildings.

The firm hopes to start work next year, moving into the new offices early in 2002.

Mr Harper said: "We are already in two locations in Bradford, which, although acceptable, certainly is not ideal for the way we work.

"We are unable to recruit because we are full to capacity."

The firm will take on two people over the next few months but hopes to get staff numbers up to 50 or 60 with the new building.

MPC Data received conservation awards from the Town Council and Preservation Trust for the sympathetic development of its Frome Road offices.