A PLUMBING and electrical firm, set up in the middle of the pandemic, has grown into a seven strong operation.

Kevin Wood and James O’Sullivan decided to branch out last year to form HBD Plumbing & Electrical Ltd and brought brother Tom O’Sullivan on board, starting out employing one man and a van as an extension of their building firm.

They spotted potential for the business after new rules meant that landlords had to make sure their properties reached electrical safety standards before renting them out.

Mr Wood, of Burley in Wharfedale, told the Telegraph & Argus that their expertise meant they could not only carry out the safety checks for the certificates, but that they could complete any remedial work too.

He said: “We have grown and have a new plumbing and gas contracts manager starting this month, nearly one year after incorporation. We have now moved into an office space in Greengates and continue to build our company, turning over £200,000 in our first year.”

He added that they were extremely proud of the company they had become.