THE opening of a second Bradford site by a local safe deposit company marks the start of wider expansion in the region.

Zurich Safe Deposits Ltd., which converted a former bank in Leeds Road into a safe haven for valuables in 2014, has opened its second local operation - also in part of a former bank premises.

Zurich, launched by finance executive Neelam Ahmed, has converted part of the former Yorkshire Bank on Toller Lane following the success of its original site .

The latest venture has created three full-time and one part-time jobs

Neelam Ahmed started Zurich Safe Deposits after spotting a gap in the market as many high street banks phased out their safety deposit box services as part of cost cutting measures.

Around £250,000 was invested in converting the former Habib Bank premises to house 1,000 security boxes along with state-of-the art security, including eye recognition technology and 24-hour monitoring.

Zurich has spent a further £150,000 on converting the former Yorkshire Bank site after strong demand for its deposit box service which includes state-of-the art security, eye recognition technology and 24-hour monitoring.

Small, medium and large security boxes can be hired for between £160 and £250 a year and customers receive £10,000 of free insurance cover as part of their subscription.

Clients, who have unlimited access to their boxes with no appointment needed 365 days a year. store items such as gold and precious metals, legal documents and deeds, jewellery, heirlooms and cash.

Zurich was the first independent safe deposit business in the district and Neelam, who works for a Leeds financial services business, is eyeing prospects for expansion into other towns and cities in West Yorkshire, including a third branch in the Bradford district.

Neelam said: " Our first operation in Bradford has been very successful in meeting pent up demand for safe storage of valuables. Such operations are more commonplace in London and the South but not so prevalent in the North.

"After succeeding with our first venture and now opening a second Bradford site, we are looking at the possibilities of further expansion here and elsewhere. I would like to build up a chain of Zurich Safe Deposits sites in the years ahead.

"We have created a blueprint for a reliable and successful operation and I would hope that we could expand further in the next six months or so."

Neelam said Zurich was accredited by trade body the Safety Deposit Association for the strength its security systems, including a grade 10 vault, which exceeded minimum required levels.