A NORTH-EAST occupational health firm, which has only been in business a year, has seen a significant increase in trading after backing from major firms in the region.

Business Health Partners (BHP), based in Billingham, near Stockton, offers occupational health support, training and consultancy services.

Founded by Liz Short and Jane Wright, it has now been awarded contracts with Japanese car parts maker, Nifco, in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, and mobile phone semi-conductor maker, RF Micro Devices, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

It has also worked with the NHS, the Police service and local Government, advising on employee absence, risk assessments and auditing.

Mrs Short, BHP director, said: “We have had an exceptional few months, and it is great to see a spike in trading.

“We saw a real gap in the market and the signs are we got it right.

“We really get under the skin of our clients to understand their businesses and make pro-active suggestions so they can better manage their employees to become more profitable.”