A MAJOR motor dealer in Blackburn has a 2020 vision of having a 250-strong workforce.

Work on the multi-million pound new showroom and office expansion at Hippo's Trident Park is set to be completed this November.

And nearly 40 jobs are set to be created over the following few months, effectively doubling their existing salesforce.

An open day is taking place on Thursday as one of their first steps to filling their roster and the 10,000 square foot extension.

Tom Preston, managing director, who established the firm with father Richard in 2007, said: "Hippo has grown beyond all expectation in recent years.

"And each year we are investing further in new property, vehicles and staff in order to meet ever-growing demand.

"We consider ourselves pioneers in the industry, constantly adapting and innovating in order to meet demand. As such, we have now become a one-stop shop for all customer needs."

Sales when they first set out were around 10 cars a month but that has now expanded to 500-plus, with the overall workforce expected to be 250 by the end of next year.

The firm self-finances and leases cars from manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Ford, Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin and BMW.

Mr Preston added: "It really is an exciting time to join Hippo and we look forward to seeing a wealth of new faces as we open later this year,.

"We are not just looking for experienced sales people within the car sales industry.

"The main criteria is to have effort and enthusiasm and the desire to succeed.”

"We look after our staff and customers alike and recognise that they are key to our success.

"The new showroom and open plan office space will be an incredible place to work, and we're proud to be able to offer local people the opportunity to work and grow with us."

Earlier this year the firm announced the results of an incentive scheme for top-performing sales staff.

Six salespeople were treated to a VIP weekend in Mallorca and a 20 per cent salary boost after exceeding targets over the course of the year.

Work was completed earlier this year on a new £4million state-of-the-art vehicle preparation centre.

Nelson-based Barnfield Construction was called in to complete a new 15-bay workshop and separate valet centre, with a smart repairs unit also included.

The open day will take place at their premises between 4pm and 7pm.