The largest independently-owned heating company in the South East has launched a recruitment drive to help it cope with an upsurge in business.

Swale Heating is looking for experienced engineers, electricians and installers to work at the 120,000 homes it covers across Kent, London, the South East, the Midlands and East Anglia.

Last month, the Sittingbourne-based firm announced it had won a multi-million pound share of £400m of contracts to look after 12,000 homes for Hyde Group housing association.

Swale Heating’s sales director Matthew Edwards said: “Gas service and maintenance engineers are needed for an immediate start to service customers located throughout Kent, London, East Anglia and the South East.

“We are looking for skilled and highly talented staff who can help play a vital role in the continued expansion of the business.”

Demand has also been increased by homeowners taking advantage of the government’s Green Deal to cut fuel bills for low-earning households.

Under the scheme funded by energy suppliers, eligible families are entitled to a free replacement high-efficiency boiler, including the cost of all materials and fitting.