KITCHEN installation contracts worth £500,000 a year are up for grabs as IKEA Cardiff gears up for fitting its kitchens in homes across South Wales.

IKEA claims this is a fantastic opportunity for a Gwent firm as it would like to appoint at least one contractor with a knowledge of Newport and the eastern Valleys.

The store is expecting between five and 10 kitchen fittings per week, with each costing an average £1,000 for the installation work.

Until now IKEA has retailed kitchen ranges but left customers to organise their own installation.

The new service, to be launched in March, will provide an extra element of choice for customers who are cash-rich but time poor.

Ruth Moralee, IKEA Cardiff project coordinator, said: "To ensure quality control of the installations we want to work closely with just one or two providers in this area.

"So we are now actively seeking out specialist kitchen installation companies who provide quality service and who would relish the challenge of working alongside IKEA.

"Because the store's catchment area is so large, we would welcome applications from companies in Newport and the South Wales Valleys, as well as Cardiff."

Kitchen installation or joinery firms in South Wales which are interested in tendering should telephone Ms Moralee on 07748 631749/ 029 20729700, or e-mail her at Ruth.Moralee@memo.ikea.com