A NORTH-East fitness expert has doubled the size of his business after help to develop his marketing skills.

Steve Harris , from Consett, County Durham, started his company in 2001 and is now personal trainer to people from all walks of life, including local celebrities.

He also provides a consultancy to businesses in the UK and Europe, working with blue-chip companies, police training colleges, prisons and hospitals, providing advice on fitness and equipment.

He said: "I realised I needed to get my name known more widely to increase business and thought a website was the answer.

"Business Link helped a friend with a website, so I contacted them.

"However, when David French came to see me, he looked at the business thoroughly, discussed my long-term aims and then suggested that marketing training was the best way of moving forward."

Helped by funding organised by Business Link, he carried out the training and is now handling his own marketing and PR.

"It has certainly worked, because business has doubled," he said.

Mr French, of Business Link County Durham, said: "Steve has worked really hard and taken advantage of the support available and we're confident his business will continue to do well."

Steve Harris Fitness Consultancy can be contacted on 07790 793006. To access support from Business Link, contact 0845 600 9006.