A firm specialising in timber tracking devices has undergone major expansion, prompting a move to larger premises. Helveta has seen its workforce grow from 12 in 2007, to 40 and there are plans to take on more than 20 staff by the end of this year.

As a result, the company, which produces software to ensure timber is ethically and sustainably sourced from the forest to the local DIY store, has moved from Harwell to larger premises at Milton Park, near Didcot.

Chief financial officer Chris Powell said: “We are expanding our business to meet increased customer demand and develop new products.

“Our technology is being used across the globe, and in 2009 we saw several key clients contacting us to monitor their national wood flows.

“We anticipate this trend will continue in 2010 and, to combat this, expect to increase our staffing complement by around 70 per cent in the next 12 months.”

Last year the company saw a new round of investment and a number of new contracts across Africa, SE Asia and the Amazon Basin.

Turnover has grown from £200,000 in 2007, to almost £3m last year.

Chief executive Patrick Newton added: “Considering the current economic climate we are pleased with our continued expansion and the move comes as we about to announce a number of new contracts in key timber producing nations.

“The tougher legislative environment, coupled with the growing ambition of timber producing countries for recovering lost revenues and for enhancing social responsibility, makes us confident Helveta will go from strength to strength.”