AN ADVENTURE tourism company has expanded by relocating to new premises.

With support from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, EcoCycleAdventures has acquired a new base at Hexham Railway Station.

As part of the move, the company will also be launching a new electric bike rental service and additional tour routes, which are expected to double its current annual growth rate from 20 per cent to 40 per cent by 2020.

The move comes after business owners EcoCabs acquired local taxi business Batey’s Taxis in November 2017 with the support of a six-figure funding package from Lloyds Bank.

Matthew Kirkby, managing director of Ecocabs, said: “Northumberland has a growing reputation as a tourist hotspot. Our acquisition of Batey’s Taxis with Lloyds Bank’s support was a strategic move and continues to pay dividends.

“As well as providing a convenient booking location for our taxi business, the new office will help us make the most of demand for local tours. It enables us to offer a greater diversity of services with easy access to attractions such as Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland National Park.”

Dean Whitlie, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “EcoCabs is an innovative North-East business that has worked hard to develop a wide range of services to support both its local community and the local tourism sector. The new office at Hexham station will give EcoCabs a strong foundation for future growth.”