A GLASS design business set up earlier this year is planning to expand after exceeding sales expectations.

Juo, based at the National Glass Centre, in Sunderland, produces contemporary glass products, including panels, giftware, lighting and tableware.

Within months of starting out, Juo has exceeded predicted sales by more than 30 per cent. Juo is about to launch a range of fused-glass products that are expected to give sales another boost.

Set up by Jessamy Kelly and Joanne Mitchell, its clients include Durham University and Mslexia Publications.

Juo was also recently named overall winner of the University of Sunderland's Blueprint Business Planning Awards, which salute upcoming talent.

Ms Mitchell said: "Winning the Blueprint award and gaining such positive recognition really fired up our ambition to succeed.

"Since establishing, the business has gone from strength to strength."

Juo has been receiving support from the North-East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC).

Amelia Pearce, from the BIC, said: "I'm not at all surprised by the success which Joanne and Jessamy have achieved in such a short space of time.

"They are passionate and enthusiastic about what they do and deserve the success which they are enjoying."