A HAMPSHIRE telecoms firm which supplies phone systems to businesses has announced expansion plans which could create 100 new jobs over the next 18 months.

Aerial Direct, which employs 220, has moved to a new HQ in Fareham this week which it says has the capacity for 450 staff eventually.

The company, largest direct business partner of O2 in the UK, will celebrating the move tomorrow with an open day for valued customers at the new offices in Barnes Wallis Road.

The day will include product demonstrations from leading suppliers, including Aerial Direct, O2 and Samsung.

There will also be talks by industry experts from from O2, Aerial-Direct and Telefonica.

Chief executive officer and founder David Kilby said: “We are very excited to be showcasing our new HQ and proud that we are able to offer employment opportunities to the area.

“Our new location, adjacent to the motorway at J9 of the M27, puts us in easy reach of Southampton and Portsmouth – this coupled with Whiteley being on our doorstep means we really are well placed to attract the very best talent.

“In line with our ongoing recruitment strategy – having started already by adding a number of key, senior professionals over the past year – we will continue to bolster what is becoming a very skilled and industry experienced executive management team over the coming year.”

Gosport-bred David, owner of Aerial Direct since 2012, is a telecoms expert who founded his first company at the age of 23.

Aerial was founded 25 years ago and now has more than 115,000 UK customers.

The firm, which was formerly based in Rodney Road, Portsmouth has supported many charities and community organisations including Macmillan Cancer Support, British Heart Foundation, Rays of Sunshine, Aidan’s Walking Appeal and the Mayor of Gosport’s charities.

Sponsorship has been given to Gosport Borough FC, Gosport Amateur Boxing Club, Gosport Borough Hockey Club Ladies, Portsmouth Navy Seahawks Rugby League Club and Padnell Rovers Under-8s Lions Football Team.