A FIRM supplying website solutions for blue chip companies and the public sector is to expand, following a £250,000 investment.

Northern Enterprises Limited (NEL) is pumping the cash into e-knowledge firm Scientia Solutions, based in the Gateshead MetroCentre.

Managing director Richard Littlehales said: "We were finding it difficult to attract funding from the traditional venture capital market and NEL's support has been ideal for us."

The 22-strong consultancy specialises in Internet and Internet portals, helping organisations turn websites from an information delivery service into a tool to boost efficiency and reduce costs.

It recently worked with children's charity ChildLine, which was struggling to cope with the high volume of phone calls it receives.

Scientia turned its website into a "portal" to allow staff and associated agencies to offer direct support to youngsters in need, and even includes a panic button, so a child can immediately exit the site if interrupted.