DARLINGTON has become the new home to a specialist rehabilitation company with ambitions to become the best in the UK.

Having outgrown its current base in York, Bridge Case Management began the search for a new office in the North-East to allow breathing space for its continued expansion.

The family-owned business has decided to put roots down at Business Central in Darlington and is now embarking on a growth plan that will enable its team to expand their services across more of England and Wales.

Bridge Case Management was set up 13 years ago by sisters Liz Haunch and Sue Ford, to support the rehabilitation of clients who have suffered major orthopaedic trauma, including amputations, chronic pain and psychological injuries in road traffic and work-related accidents.

Its 23-strong team includes an operational back-office team and nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, employed as case managers, who work with lawyers and insurers to advocate rehabilitation plans and support clients back to the person they were prior to their injury.

The company's family focus was strengthened last year when Liz and Sue appointed their cousin, Julie Gardner, in the role of chief operating officer, to help drive the executive team's growth plans.

Julie said: "Our new Darlington office gives us the breathing space we need to accommodate our growing team as we continue to expand.

"We currently have case managers supporting clients, stretching from County Durham to Cornwall, covering most of the country and we'll be focusing on filling the gaps in the coming months and years. Our vision is to be the best in our field through controlled expansion.

"Our team come from healthcare backgrounds and are really passionate about supporting our clients. We've hundreds of qualified therapists on our list of trusted providers so we can ensure the best care is available, as quickly as possible."