A west Suffolk outdoor karting company has created five new jobs with the opening of a new corporate hospitality venue.

Red Lodge Karting operates a 1,200-metre racetrack which is already a popular destination for work groups as well as families and private parties.

Following an increase in demand for corporate events, the company had introduced a new building on the existing site which besides function rooms offering businesses an unusual meeting place, also includes office space, safety briefing rooms and a balcony that overlooks the race circuit.

Safety briefing and meeting facilities were previously based in portable buildings on the site, but the new development has brought them all under one roof as well as offering more space.

Nigel Carter, director at Red Lodge Karting, said: “As we introduce new services, we need to make sure we have a large enough area to accommodate the growing demand for private and corporate parties.

“We’ve come a long way since we first opened in 1994, and have become a ‘go-to’ destination with residents and professionals in the area and beyond.”

The new facilities, which have taken the company’s workforce to 26, were funded with support from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Mr Carter, added: “Making sure we’re continuing to reinvest in our facilities is vital for our growth, and we’ve enjoyed a continued relationship with Lloyds Bank and look forward to working with them in the future.”

Simon Minister, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Go karting has become one of the nation’s most popular activities, and with Grand Prix in full swing, people who’ve never raced before are trying it out, opening up a great opportunity for Red Lodge Karting.

“We’re committed to supporting small to medium sized businesses, and to underline this, we have pledged to increase our lending to SMEs on a net basis by more than £1billion this year.”