THE economic recovery is helping fuel growth at timber frame house builder Stewart Milne Group.

Bosses at the firm, which employs about 100 staff in Witney, say they expect to expand the workforce by at least 10 per cent this year.

Latest financial results for the year ending June 2013 show the company made a pre-tax loss of £5.7m, blamed on exceptional items including the discontinuation of a contract business.

Turnover for the timber systems division, which includes Witney, rose 30 per cent to £27.5m.

Group managing director Glenn Allison said: “Activity levels at Witney are increasing, with a growing demand for the product, and we have had a number of contract wins in the period, including £10m for student accommodation at Hatfield University.

“Discussions are ongoing with housebuilders looking at timber frame to alleviate skill shortages in the industry.”

Timber frame homes can be constructed in nine weeks, as opposed to 16 weeks for traditionally built properties.

The company is also providing homes to build the Bicester Eco Village.

Mr Allison added: “We are seeing a sustained recovery period and that is encouraging.”