EML scoots in to take on workers.

Byline: Alan Plews

A multi-million pound expansion plan is bringing a 26pc growth in staff to a Tees Valley company.

Enable Media Ltd (EML), the company behind online directory service AskAlix, has bought the licence from BT to operate online business and service directory Scoot for what is believed to be an eight-figure sum.

And EML is now recruiting to add 20 employees to its current workforce of 76.

Business development director Tim Kirkham said the acquisition - and the decision to base everything at the Eaglescliffe headquarters of AskAlix - was a testament to the staff.

"When you have a resource as good as we have at AskAlix, it gives the owners the confidence to conclude a deal of this size," he said.

"We have great plans for this business and intend to look at other acquisitions."

Scoot, with a turnover of more than pounds 2m last year, was launched in 1996 and at the height of the dotcom boom was valued at more than pounds 2bn. In 2002 BT paid pounds 5m for Scoot and picked up the firm's pounds 3.2m debts.

Mr Kirkland added: "BT have not developed Scoot as much as we believe there is the potential to do."

AskAlix will continue to focus on small to medium businesses, while Scoot will compete in the consumer market against Yell and Thomson.

A year ago, EML paid a seven-figure sum for Miami International, which owned AskAlix.

EML also has Euro Pages - a paperback, CD and internet directory for importers and exporters in 38 countries - as well as major interests in a payroll company and a multiplex cinema group.