Agency is still first port of call for firms; Business Start-ups.

FOR expanding businesses, investors and developers, Tyne and Wear continues to grow in stature as a prime location for business.

Highly competitive labour costs, an excellent infrastructure and unique package of business and financial support make it a winning choice for local and international investors.

And when it comes to guidance on the opportunities available, Tyne and Wear Development Company - the major facilitator for economic development and inward investment in the region for almost 20 years - is the first port of call.

With its expertise, contacts and extensive range of resources, Tyne and Wear Development Company is the direct point of contact for businesses looking to invest in the area.

It offers support on all activities relating to potential investment from sourcing sites and provision of premises to advice on financial assistance, labour and training.

In the past year alone it has supported a wide range of firms from local companies to major international names including car manufacturer Valeo and shipping giant Maersk.

It recently helped manufacturing company Tanfield Group as part of its biggest acquisition to date. The Tanfield Group is creating 400 new jobs after purchasing Irish firm UpRight Powered Access and has transferred production to the site of the former LG Electronics plant in Washington.

The agency helped The Tanfield Group to identify the vigo250 site as a suitable base and worked closely with the company to secure a lease on the facility. Roy Stanley, chief executive and chairman of the Tanfield Group, said: "Our vision is to build a global manufacturing business with the North-East as its heartland. The Vigo Centre is a fantastic base for the new operation and we're grateful to Tyne and Wear Development Company for pulling out all the stops to support us."

Another growing business to have benefited is subsea engineering company Boreas, which relocated to Tynespide earlier this year. Boreas has added an office in Newcastle to its three other operations across the UK in Aberdeen, London and Cranfield.

Specialising in subsea flowlines, equipment and control systems, Boreas sees Newcastle as a key centre for growth and meeting the needs of international clients in the oil, gas and renewable energy industries. Tyne and Wear Development Company was able to help Boreas with its expansion plans, identifying suitable premises in the city centre and assisting with the moving process.

Malcolm Carr, director at Boreas Consultants, said: "The North-East is a hotbed for offshore engineering expertise.

"Tyne and Wear Development Company works with many of the key players in the region's offshore industry and its support was invaluable in finding a good location and getting the operation up and running quickly and successfully."

Working with its partners, Tyne and Wear Development Company is helping to sustain the region's economic growth by creating a competitive environment in which businesses can succeed.

The region offers a wealth of investment opportunities and potential investors interested in further information should contact Tyne and Wear Development Company by calling [phone] or emailing [e-mail]

CAPTION(S):

SUPPORT SERVICE: Roy Stanley of the Tanfield Group with Deborah Fletcher of Tyne and Wear Development Company.