THE region's leading employers' organisation has helped one of its employees to take the first step on the business ladder.

The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) has supported former press officer Mike Parker launch his own public relations firm Mike Parker Media.

The company aims to work with a range of clients, predominantly from the region's business community, and the NECC has signed up as its first customer.

James Ramsbotham, NECC chief executive, said: "Mike Parker has used his knowledge and skills to successfully enhance the profile of NECC and its members over the past few years. I am delighted that we can now help him to set up a new business here in the North-East."

In addition to NECC, Mike Parker Media has already been commissioned in its first few weeks of trading to work with the County Durham Development Company, networking specialists The Bridge Club and one of the region's leading charities helping vulnerable people, Norcare.

Mr Parker, former business editor of The Northern Echo, said he was sad to leave the NECC, but was ready to go it alone.

"I've been writing about other businesses for the past five years and I have clearly been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug, so I decided it was time I took control of my own destiny," he said.