A SOUTH Lakes sports business plans to double in size after outrunning the recession.

The family company has bought a second outlet after sales in Cumbria - and worldwide - increased by 20 per cent throughout last year.

Company director Matthew Bland, of Pete Bland Sports, took over the firm from his parents Pete and Anne Bland 12 years ago and has seen it go from strength to strength.

The shop initially sold a range of sporting gear including squash and badminton kit. As the company grew it began to focus on running and fell running shoes, clothing and accessories.

Mr Bland, 37, said a niche market made the company popular with competing athletes from Kendal, where the shop is based in Kirkland, and further afield.

He added: “Orienteering and off-road running are big sports in Scandinavia and, because the Euro isn’t doing well at the moment, sports enthusiasts abroad are picking us.”

Runners in Sweden and France took a particular interest in the specialist running shop and these countries now generate nearly five per cent of sales.

Mr Bland said the shop’s continuing popularity in the North West was due to the expertise of staff.

“When runners come in we can help assess what kind of footwear they need from the dozens of types around.

“My nine staff all run marathons or are members of gyms and running clubs - some are international athletes. They know about the products and the sport which makes a huge difference when people ask questions about our gear.”

Staff member Phil Lee represented England and Wales in the World Cerebral Palsy Games in America in 2005, and is trying out for the England team again this year.

The company has bought the building next door and knock through walls to double the size of their shop floor and office space.

Renovation costs of around £100,000 will make this the biggest financial move the company has made and Mr Bland said he was nervous but optimistic about the development.

Plans include added wall space for a greater product range and space for video equipment to allow staff to analyse the running style of customers in detail. Mr Bland also plans to allow a local sports physiotherapist to add to the service offered by his shop.