The region's removal industry is getting an image boost with the arrival of America's favourite careful mover, Two Men And a Truck.

The customer-friendly company plans to open several franchised branches across the Midlands, creating around 150 jobs jobs and putting millions of pounds into the local economy. When they are up and running each branch is expected to employ around 20 local people, in both full and part-time jobs, with many of the businesses run by those made redundant in the local Government cutbacks.

"Large numbers of former local Government workers with management experience are going to be looking to invest in businesses  that offer them tried and tested security," said UK MD Mike Harrison, who is based in Birmingham.  "They won't be expected to drive trucks and shift furniture as we've already done all of the heavy lifting to develop a rock-solid business that they can own and manage at an affordable price."

Despite the recession, depots in Dublin and Belfast have been a success and the company is forecasting steady growth from a continually moving population.  The company is planning the first branches in the West Midlands, followed by the East Midlands, before rolling out the franchise across the country.

"Some of our branches in the U.S., which is in a similar financial situation to the UK, are now employing up to 50 staff as most of our work continues to come from recommendations - from people who found us looking after their settees tables and office furniture that arrived without a mark," said Mike Harrison.