Olympics set company outlines expansion plans

A North Yorkshire company which makes sets for events such as the London Olympics and Ed Sheeran concerts is planning to expand its premises.

Stage One Creative Services has applied to extend its base at the Minster Hag Business Park, near Tockwith, between York and Harrogate.

In application documents submitted to North Yorkshire Council, Stage One said it had outgrown its existing premises.

The application stated: "If Stage One is to remain one of the leading global companies in their specialist field, then further floorspace is critical to the future of the business."

The company, which employs 134 people, makes large-scale sets for music concerts around the world and has been involved in the Eurovision Song Contest and BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend.

Stage One also manufactures sets for global ceremonies and TV shows, as well as producing architecture and artwork.

The company currently operates from Minster Hag Business Park and the nearby Marton Business Park, where it uses three aircraft hangars to make sets.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, supporting documents submitted with the plans say the two spaces are now insufficient for the current size of the business or to allow for further expansion.

The documents say: "The current space does not provide a suitable environment for the design and manufacture of electronics and precision engineering.

"Through reorganisation of the two sites, the intention is to facilitate further expansion and broadening of skills and services, which will allow for the employment of additional staff."

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.