An engineering company which has three bases in Cumbria is in advanced talks to expand its business to Malta.

Forth was approached by the Maltese government after officials saw examples of the company's innovations on various social media channels.

Mark Telford, Forth's managing director, and Graham Cartwright, projects director, were invited to meet a delegation of government officials to discuss the opportunity.

Mr Telford, who established Forth 25 years ago, said: "Malta is small – but it packs a massive punch when it comes to ambition, foresight, and a willingness to make things happen.

"When we were first contacted by Malta Enterprise via email, we thought little of it – but agreed to an online call, during which they said enough to make us curious.

"We learned a lot during our time on the island, particularly about subsidies available to entice the type of business they are targeting.

"It is now our belief that we can create a successful operation on the island that has a meaningful impact on the local economy, brings Forth’s inimitable solutions-focused approach to an additional territory, and plays a role in the wider growth ambitions of the business.

"We are moving the conversation forward at pace, and Forth Malta Ltd could be a legal entity with a fair (Mediterranean) wind by summer."

Malta Enterprise, the Maltese government's official agency for business support and investment promotion, plays a role in attracting foreign investment and fostering economic growth on the island.

Malta's economy is classified as advanced by the International Monetary Fund, with a GDP per capita of $41,738, compared to $52,423 in the UK.

The economic advantages of Malta include its strategic Mediterranean location, an open-market economy, a multilingual workforce, finance and ICT sectors.

Major international companies operating in Malta include Playmobil, which has had a manufacturing presence since 1970, STMicroelectronics, a global leader in semiconductors, and Lufthansa Technik, which has bolstered Malta’s aviation services sector since 2003.

Forth has bases in Flimby, Cleator Moor, and Barrow.

The company specialises in engineering solutions, serving industries including nuclear, oil and gas, and renewables.

The Forth team works with industry leaders to tackle complex challenges through technology.

Their expertise includes nuclear decommissioning, deep-water recovery, inspection services, and renewable energy projects.

The process in Malta has now reached the legal and financial due diligence stage.

Next steps, once paperwork has been signed, will include the recruitment of a managing director to oversee operations, along with an initial team of up to four colleagues.

Mr Telford, who was also joined on the trip by senior project engineer Joshua Oakes, envisages a one-team approach when the new business starts trading, with Cumbria- and Malta-based colleagues spending time working at both sites.

He also plans to install a ‘portal’ at both locations to stream live footage, with the aim of encouraging team bonding and collaboration.

Mr Telford added: "This is an incredibly exciting time for the team at Forth.

"We have the opportunity to take our innovative approach to engineering, along with our sustainable employment model, and make a meaningful impact in a country that is willing to invest in business infrastructure and create opportunities."