AN organisation supporting pre-start and small businesses has strengthened its team as it rolls out an expanded support package.

East Durham Business Service has recruited Hina Joshi as business advisor to work with entrepreneurs.

As part of the expanded support programme, Ms Joshi will support growing small and medium-sized businesses looking to continue their growth.

She has worked as a North-East business advisor for more than 17 years, including a previous spell with East Durham Business Service.

She said: “There are a lot of people out there with great ideas but don't know how to get them off the ground, so I'll be working with them to give them the support they need to do that.

“Thanks to the expansion of the support programme, I'll also be able to work with established businesses looking to take their plans to the next level.”

East Durham Business Service is based at the Novus Centre, in Peterlee, and also occupies space at Spectrum Business Park, in Seaham.

Denise Fielding, operations director, said: “Last year our focus was on the restructure of the organisation and identifying what we were doing well and what we felt we should be doing more of.

“This year the aim is to raise our profile so businesses know we're here and are aware of what we can do for them.”