G-Forces, a web design and management company, is celebrating 10 years in business by unveiling plans to create 50 jobs.

Based in Bearsted, near Maidstone, the business has grown rapidly through its expertise in designing websites for a wide range of clients, but specifically the automotive industry. Clients include leading car dealerships.

The firm plans to extend its offices and double the existing 56-strong workforce over the next two years.

During a lively anniversary event attended by 300 guests and featuring displays by vintage RAF Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft, sales director Jamie Dixon said the expansion plan would focus on training young people.

“If we recruit locally, people are more likely to stay with us because there’s a real skills shortage in the area,” he said.

G-Forces was founded in 1999 by Giles Smith and began trading from a converted barn. It later moved to College Road, Maidstone, before creating its own headquarters at Corbin Business Park - opened two years ago and named after local Spitfire pilot Jimmy Corbin.

Turnover has risen to around £3m. Commercial director Tim Smith said: “It’s extremely gratifying not only to have survived this long, but to have established G-Forces as a major player in the UK’s competitive web sector.

“It is essential that we continue to take the lead in web management and our plans for yet more growth will ensure that the business has solid foundations on which to build for future success.”