SHAKING hands on a job well done. Southampton Calor Gas Centre is to officially launch its new redeveloped premises on Thursday, built with the help of funding from a bank giant.

As the Calor distributor for Hampshire and Wiltshire, the facility has been run from Third Avenue in Millbrook since 1989.

Until 2002 the building, where 12 are employed, was rented from the city council.

But, after buying the freehold two years ago, father-and-son owners Hilton and Charles Ramseyer drew up ambitious expansion plans.

Impressed with their sound business acumen and strategic planning, banking giant Lloyds TSB Corporate agreed an advance to fund the redevelopment of the site to create a flagship retail and distribution centre.

Charles said: "It has completely changed the business environment for ourselves as well as our customers, creating an eye-catching, modern building, and, of course, it has given us the much-needed extra space in our showroom and stockroom."

The premises sells gas and every imaginable appliance associated with gas, including cookers, heaters, barbecues, patio heaters, lights, fridges, marine appliances and camping products.

As well as selling direct to consumers they also have a sound wholesale customer base of garages, shops and other retail outlets throughout their area.

Clive Derwent, manager at Lloyds TSB Corporate's Southampton office, said the bank was delighted to assist with financing the redevelopment.

He added: "Lloyds TSB has been associated with the company since 1989 and we have seen it grow steadily and soundly on firm foundations."

The official launch takes place in front of an invited audience.