Be at the heart of knowledge economy.

DRIVING forward the knowledge economy is set to play an increasingly important part in shaping County Durham's future. And County Durham Development Company (CDDC), which encourages innovation and strategic investment on behalf of Durham County Council, is the driving force behind one of the fastest growing science, engineering and technology parks in the UK.

The North East Technology Park (NETPark) is the region's premier location for the commercialisation of cutting edge R&D. It is where companies lead the way in developing world-class technologies that create new products and new markets.

But to realise the full potential of the North East's formidable intellectual power, CDDC is committed to ensuring that the benefits NETPark offers are not restricted just to the companies on site.

Thanks to its latest initiative innovative businesses throughout the region can now grow and develop thanks to the supportive, collaborative online community NETPark Net.

NETPark Net can help companies develop new products, processes and markets.

Best described as a virtual science park, it opens up benefits and facilities from technology incubation to virtual office facilities - all accessible at the click of a mouse.

Put simply NETPark Net is NETPark 'without walls', designed to open up an enormous fund of knowledge in technology and R&D to any company looking to increase its competitiveness through interaction and innovation.

Wherever you are, this support can help your business succeed and, with a flexible range of membership levels starting at only pounds 99 per annum, it can be tailored to meet your business needs.

What should you do next? Join this exciting, unique community quickly and simply, by visiting www.uknetpark.net/join and registering online. Email [e-mail], or call CDDC on [phone] or NETPark on [phone].

HERE is just a selection of ways in which NETPark Net can help: See at a glance tenders from local, regional, national and international sources Network at NETPark Net events Ask NETintel: the rapid response research service Source facilities and specialist equipment Discover sources of finance Set up a truly flexible Virtual Office.

CAPTION(S):

WORLD CLASS Cutting edge technology in the North East. DRIVING INNOVATION The North East Technology Park.