A CALL centre is expanding into Bolton creating 120 new jobs.

Harringtons Advisory, which advises people on PPI (payment protection insurance) claims, already has a base in Bury but is now set to move into a new site in Stone Cross House, Churchgate on November 2.

Managing director Ibrar Akbar, a former pupil at the Derby High School in Bury, set up the business four years ago and has seen the business grow ever since.

He says the company already employs more than 180 staff at its Bury site in Castlecroft Road, and has further expansion plans and ambitions to open another site in Manchester.

The firm offers help to people claiming back mis-sold payment protection insurance, and also in mis-sold pension policies and package bank accounts.

Mr Akbar, who previously worked as a sales manager, said successful claimants can often receive £2,000 as a result of the mis-selling.

To make its money, the firm takes a commission from the financial award. People can also apply to claim back PPI themselves.

Mr Akbar said: "We are aiming to help people who are struggling to claim it back, and don't have any of their financial records.

"We want to set up more centres and get bigger. We think there is a market in PPI for about five more years and we are diversifying into different areas as well."

PPI was sold to protect financial products such as credit cards and loans which ensured payments would still be made if people became ill of lost their jobs.

But banks sold it at a higher rate and consumers would often have not been able to make a claim in any case because of exclusions.

The Financial Conduct Authority said that £20 billion in compensation had been paid out to 10 million consumers.

The watchdog is also proposing that a deadline of spring 2018 is imposed for people to submit their claims in a bid to rebuild trust in the financial sector.

Mr Akbar, who is also involved with Harringtons Tuition Centres which has sites in Bolton and Bury, added: "It is a big market, up to 15 million people have been mis-sold policies and we are trying to help them get that money back."

He said the company is looking for people with a "professional approach" and a background in customer service.

Anyone who wants more information should call the firm's recruitment line on 0161 870 2697.