A family building firm has doubled its turnover in the past year and appointed three new members of staff.

Rapidly expanding Nutshell Construction, based in Sompting, has increased its workforce by 100% from this time last year. The company now has 40 employees.

In the past 18 months the average value of a Nutshell project has more than doubled to £300,000.

The firm was founded seven years ago by three members of one of Sussex’s oldest families, part of the folk-singing group the Copper Family.

Current projects include a major refurbishment and extension of a historic 17th-century home in Mid Sussex and work on Grade I and Grade II listed buildings around Brighton and Hove.

Work culture is different from other construction companies with on-site female and deaf employees and uniforms for all on-site and office-based employees.

Managing director and Nutshell founder Ben Copper said: “The 100% growth in turnover and accompanying profit from the last financial year is a big milestone for Nutshell and we are continuing to up-scale our investment to meet growing demand.

“We’re delighted to welcome our new team members, who are already providing great support on some of our highest profile projects.

“It has always been the intention of the company to share its success in a tangible way so we have made a major commitment to become involved in sponsorship opportunities in and around the city.

“We’ve chosen to support this year’s Brighton Festival and also picked September’s Food Fair.”