CARRICK Sports – the construction division of Harden-based sports turf research company STRI Group – is expanding its UK operation.

The firm has acquired Phil Day Sports Ltd (PDS), a leading sports turf contractor.

All employees, machinery, offices and client contracts have been retained.

The move enables Carrick Sports to operate from two regional offices, in Glasgow and now Worcester, extending its reach nationally.

Stewart Aird, Carrick Sports managing director, said: “We are really pleased to be welcoming the PDS team.

“These are exciting times for Carrick Sports. We are growing our global footprint and bringing more world-class services and talented people to the sports industry.”

PDS, founded over 20 years ago, counts Premier League football clubs and county cricket teams among its clients.

Toby Grace, PDS business development manager, said: “I’m delighted that our staff will become part of Carrick’s ongoing expansion strategy.”