A NORTH-EAST science and technology centre has joined a national network to drive industry investment and growth in the industry.

The Wilton Centre, near Redcar, has become one of six sites in the Business Environments for Science and Technology Network, which will share specialist services and access to facilities.

The companies, which include Edinburgh Technopole, Manchester's Hexagon Tower and the Kent Science Park, house about 250 tenant companies and employ more than 7,500 people, with some firms using spaces for wet laboratories, greenhouses and data centres.

Steve Duffield, Wilton Centre manager, said: “Being part of a bigger network will allow us to boost our recognition nationally and internationally and increase investment opportunities.

“The network is in the very early stages, but we have already seen the strengths of being one cohesive body through sharing ideas, knowledge and skills.”