A company which specialises in working safely when above ground level has moved in to bigger and better premises to expand its business onwards and upwards.

'Astra Access Safety Training Ltd' has moved to a new industrial unit at the Junction 38 Business Park in Darton, Barnsley and the colossal open-plan building covers 50,000 square feet and reaches 18 metres high, floor to ceiling.

The company has invested £100,000 in this new workspace to create within it a mock four-bedroom house and 10 metre high steel-frame structure, both for demonstration and training purposes, a suite of 8 classrooms, delegates canteen and office space has also been created.

Director of Astra Access Safety Training Mick Aston said: "Our huge new base means we can improve and expand our comprehensive package of health and safety consultancy and training services – all designed to support workers operating at height, whether that is on scaffolding, mobile towers, mobile elevating work platforms, such as cherry pickers and scissor lifts, or simply on ladders or steps.


"Our new fully-accredited facility is well-positioned at Darton, just three minutes from the M1, and we are ready to attract new customers from all over the country. We’ll certainly be recruiting staff in management, administration, sales and marketing to support the growth of business in 2012. And, we’ll be looking for more skilled safety experts to join our team soon too."

Astra has worked with clients in the construction, utilities, cleaning and other industries for the last four years. Their services are targeted at any business where people get their feet off the ground. As consultants, Astra go in to a company and identify all their safety needs, as well as the legal requirements they must meet, then offer the expertise and training required to ensure everyone works safely and securely.

Astra has felt for a good while that it had outgrown its Wakefield base and was keen to find suitable new premises to expand its operations. The company’s successful move to the Darton industrial park has been supported by Enterprising Barnsley.

Enterprising Barnsley Business Development Manager Shaun Higginbottom said: "It is fantastic to see a successful company like Astra moving in to Barnsley, investing in the local economy and creating new jobs. We will continue to work with Mick and the team to support their establishment within the borough."

Astra Access Safety Training's current client list includes one man operations, small medium and large construction companies, local authorities and multi-national organisations. It plans to hold an open day in the New Year when companies and other organisations will be invited to visit their new premises.

Please visit www.astratraining.co.uk to find out more details. The company also supplies access equipment and PPE for either hire or sale.