BARRATT York, which builds homes across North and East Yorkshire, is set to increase its workforce throughout the north-east over the next 12 months.

The company, based in Poppleton, plans to add more quantity surveyors, engineers, site managers and experienced sales negotiators to its regional staff of more than 300 people.

Barratt Developments plc, Britain's largest housebuilder, has revealed that the group finished its final half year with a net cash pool of £150 million - a hint at the formal six month figures - which will be announced on March 23

The group expects to confirm another successful period with further growth in completions, margins and pre-tax profit.

Updated: 10:57 Monday, January 24, 2005