A PLUMBING business wants to expand but is struggling to recruit qualified staff.

Greener Plumbing and Heating, based in Ghyll Road, Heathfield, employs eight full-time people.

It’s looking to increase that number but MD Oliver Blunden said finding the right people is proving difficult.

He said: “We are finding it increasingly difficult to get more qualified plumbers in the Brighton and surrounding areas.

“The Federation of Master Builders, in its quarterly report on the state of the industry, found that demand for skilled plumbers, electricians and plasterers is outstripping supply so it’s not just an issue locally.

“The South East Local Enterprise Partnership also reported earlier this year that there are significant risks which the industry in this area needs to face in coming years.

“These are an ageing workforce, potentially significant impacts on the migrant workforce resulting from Brexit which will be felt in this area, and a continuing ‘draw for workers’ to service major projects in London.”

The company is situated on the Ghyll Road Industrial Estate.