A partnership looks set to strengthen the future of new and young businesses across the moors and coast area.

Two councils are expected to join forces this month and officially establish a company that will provide help and advice to businesses throughout the Scarborough Borough and the northern part of the Ryedale District.

The newly-formed North Yorkshire Moors and Coast Business Advice Agency will operate from its headquarters in Scarborough with a team of directors and advisors. It will deliver the Government's Small Business Service - a national initiative supporting pre-start, start-up and young businesses.

Ryedale District Council is this week expected to agree to become a founder member of the agency, along with Scarborough Borough Council. The move will officially launch it as a non-profit making company.

Both councils will play an influential role in the agency's direction and governance, each appointing a council member as a director.

"It became clear that there needed to be a single body in order to deliver this kind of advice service to businesses," said Andrew Leeming, the district council's economic development manager. "The two councils have put in a lot of work to make this happen.

"The borough council already operates the agency's main centre in Auborough Street, Scarborough, and the official launch of the district council into the venture will formally establish the agency."

Funded primarily by Business Link York and North Yorkshire, the agency will employ a number of business advisors.

Mark Husler has been appointed as the company's chief executive and will finalise the terms of the joint venture agreement. His job will be to get the agency off the ground while also acting as a business advisor to his customers.

"The primary objective of the agency is to assist people, from those with embryonic ideas right up to those trying to get their business off the ground in the first three years," said Mr Husler

"We want to be the first point of contact."

"I believe it is a predominantly untapped market and I am convinced there is plenty of potential for new businesses in Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale."