Be in at the heart of driving forward 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, 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.

The NETPark Net project is part financed by the European Union''s ERDF Competitiveness programme 2007-13, securing pounds 0.22m of ERDF investment through the Regional Development Agency One North East.

The ERDF programme is bringing over pounds 250m into the North East to support innovation, enterprise and business support across the region. This project has received funding from Durham County Council through County Durham Development Company.

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.

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 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, it can be tailored to meet your business needs. What should you do next? Join this exciting 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].

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PREMIER LOCATION Companies at NETPark lead the way on commercialising innovation.