The page will feature news of the company's progress, photographs from within the factory, of staff and from social events.

According to managing director Colin Roberts, the company is "moving with the times" by joining the world's biggest social network.

Roberts said: "I think all small companies could consider it. I know a few local companies who have tried it. It is free, you get worldwide coverage and you can edit the details yourself.

"We know the website is very informal, so I wouldn’t advocate it for everybody. We are a trade-only supplier with a limited library of regular customers and we often speak to them through Facebook anyway."

Roberts added that he had already had job applications through Facebook, which convinced him that the traditional website was obsolete.

"A competitor might approach one of our people after seeing him on there, so there are clear risks. But that is the way the world is changing."

In the next few weeks, Roberts will be inviting customers and suppliers to comment on BFE, good or bad, "in full view of the world". The page can be seen by searching for BFE Group on Facebook.