I've always felt that Darlington had an awful lot going for it.

From a business point of view, it's ideal: close to the motorway, the A66, the East coast main line railway, and an airport.

That's the rationale behind the National Skills Academy Process Industries choosing to be based at Morton Palms Business Park on the edge of Darlington.

The academy acts as the bridge between the flourishing process industry and training providers.

It's moved into Morton Palms because Darlington is the ideal location in terms of travelling round, not just regionally but nationally and internationally.

This lunchtime, I visited the academy for an open day in which an update was given about its activities.

Key representatives from industry and local colleges were there.

I have no doubt that other businesses and organisations will continue to see the benefits of moving to Darlington.

What Darlington has to do is market itself better as the ideal place to do business.