A FINALIST in the 2011 Fenland Enterprise Business Awards has unveiled plans to recruit 15 new staff - double the size of its workforce.

The Construction Index, based in March, was formed five years ago but in that time has become the UK’s construction industry’s most popular website.

It provides news, data, jobs and product information. It attracts about four million visitors each year and has delivered more than 24 million pages of information.

NE Cambs MP Stephen Barclay is supporting owner Paul Buist’s plans for expansion and, at a recent meeting, said ‘new media’ companies like The Construction Index can play a crucial role for Fenland businesses.

Mr Buist said: “We both share a passion for technology, and Stephen has plans not only to bring superfast broadband to the area, but to attract more IT based business to the area, including the gaming industry, in which the UK currently holds a significant market share.”

He added: “While Stephen’s plans will take some time to come to fruition, it’s a strong and positive move for Fenland.

“Young people can find career options limited in this region. The big employers are agriculture, factories or retail. We can change this.

“I want to keep the business in Fenland, and the more jobs we can bring to the area the more money will go into our economy.”

Positions which The Construction Index is currently recruiting for include graphic designers, web developers, coders, JNR programmers and sales executives.

The company will also provide careers advice to March-based Neale-Wade Community College, Whittlesey’s Sir Harry Smith Community College and the College of West Anglia.

The Construction Index was a finalist in the Medium Business of the Year category at this year’s Fenland Enterprise Business Awards.