One of the UK’s largest privately-owned transport companies has signed a deal to relocate 230 of its staff in Kent.

Europa Worldwide Logistics will leave its head office in Erith for a new 262,000sqft facility at Prologis Park in Littlebrook, near Dartford.

The new HQ is yet to be built, with construction starting this summer.

It is hoped all the firm’s Erith staff will be in the new location by spring 2015.

The company signed a feal with industrial real estate developer Prologis this month.

Europa was acquired by Andrew Baxter in August, who quickly announced the plans for significant investment in the business, with the aim of maximising potential across road, air, ocean and logistics operations.

Managing director Mr Baxter said: “Our new site at Littlebrook is in an ideal location for our business, allowing easy access to continental Europe as well as the rest of the UK.

“We have designed an innovative new facility which will increase our capacity and help us to provide the best possible service to our customers.

“This move marks the biggest single investment in the business for many years and is an exciting next step for Europa.”

Europa employ 500 people in the UK at 10 branches. It also has an office in Hong Kong.

In 2012 it had a turnover of £73m, carrying some 500,000 consignments.