A BORDERS business has created four jobs with the opening of a workshop in Kelso.

Countryside Kitchens, which has an office in Swinton and a showroom in Edinburgh, had outsourced the manufacturing of its cabinets to a company in Yorkshire for 26 years.

But the family firm, which celebrates its 40th anniversary next month, has decided to take full control of its own work.

Four new staff start on Monday (August 24) at the company’s new workshop at Pinnacle Hill industrial estate in Kelso – and more jobs may be created in the future.

Design director Shona Ponder, who owns and runs the business with husband and finance director Jerry, said: “Having our own workshop is an exciting step and really feels like we are enhancing out status as a company in the Borders.

"We are taking on four new people and hope to take on more in the future.

"This move allows us to follow through our orders from start to finish by giving us complete control.

"It means we can manage the timetable of all projects without relying on someone else.”

The couple's son Elliot will be in charge of the workshop, while daughter Susie recently came on board as design technician, looking after IT and computer aided design (CAD)

“This is a big step for us and very exciting,” said Elliot, who was previously involved in the design side of the business.

“It’s a great opportunity grow the business.

"We can now welcome trade enquiries from architects, builders and joiners as well as our traditional customers.”