IT'S a case of safety first, second and always for a firm on the Millfield Industrial Estate, Wheldrake, which is pitching for the Small Business Of The Year title in our 2006 Press Business Awards.

Voyager Safety Management Ltd began with two safety consultants and a private backer in January last year.

Sixteen months later the firm increased staff to four, including a health and safety trainer and site safety adviser.

Turnover for the first five months of this year surpassed expectations, and not only did the client base expand, but the number of services were extended.

These services include audits and inspections, site specific risk assessments, development and writing of safety policies and procedures, noise assessments, hand/arm vibration assessments and drugs and alcohol testing.

It also offers various recognised safety training schemes.

Director Gary Walshaw, who started the firm with David Bilton, said: "Our future aims are to be successful and increase staff year on year through increased turnover."