A CARD payment specialist business has announced its expansion plans which include taking on a further 50 employees over the next 12 months.

Haydock-based Handepay has already reaped the rewards of investing in staff, after a partnership deal with an American business in 2015.

It has increased staff by more than 45 per cent over the past year, with 21 local people recruited so far in 2017.

St Helens North MP Conor McGinn and deputy council leader Andy Bowden made a visit to the business' Westway Park headquarters as part of the council’s ‘St Helens Place’ initiative, as the company announced its further plans for 2017.

Since moving into the office space off the East Lancs Road three years ago, the business has seen year-on-year growth.

Handepay employs 148 people and offers educational training as standard and encourages many of its staff to enhance their skills through courses with St Helens Chamber’s Business School.

Conor McGinn said: “It’s been great to meet with the team to talk about the success of Handepay and their plans to develop the business and contribution to the local economy.

“They’re a great example of what can be achieved through hard work, creating the right product and a skilled and motivated workforce.”

Andy Peake, managing director of Handepay, added: “We have had lots to celebrate over the past three years and it was great to welcome our guests to witness the growth of a local company and exhibit its role in the community.”

Handepay selected the Steve Prescott Foundation as its nominated charity in 2016, raising more than £13,000 and the company will put its name to this year’s St Helens Triathlon as part of a pledge to raise an additional £20,000 for the charity by the summer of 2018.

More at handepay.co.uk