AFTER a successful year of steady growth, a West Devon business is looking to take on apprentices and continue its steady rise.

T & M Supplies, based in North Tawton, has seen a 30% increase in sales over the last 12 months.

The company, which employs 26 people, manufactures trademark removable flexible covers for a variety of applications, including valves, actuators, exhaust systems, turbines, boiler rooms and plant rooms.

The business has been in operation for almost 20 years, supplying essential products to the engineering sector.

Central Devon Conservative MP Mel Stride visited the business to see how it has managed its success, meeting managing director Tom White.

Mr Stride said: 'I was very impressed with the business and it is a great example of how companies in our small towns and villages are doing so well.

'I talked to them about the Government's apprentices programme and it would be very encouraging if, in the future, they could become involved.'

Tom White said: 'I was very pleased that Mel was able to visit. We are doing very well, as shown by our thirty per cent rise in business, and it would be very encouraging if we could get involved in the apprentice programme.'