THE Aske Stables in Richmond, North Yorkshire, is celebrating again.

The development of office accommodation for businesses was opened by Richmond MP William Hague last May.

Since then they have become home to businesses ranging from dotcom companies to an International steel pipe manufacturing firm and a telecommunications business.

The Aske Stables were built in 1887 on the Zetland Estate, in the grounds of Aske Hall.

The listed buildings have been renovated to offer companies well-equipped offices in a rural setting, with easy access to main roads and rail networks.

Lord Ronaldshay, from The Zetland Estate, said: "We always knew that developing the Aske Stables into office accommodation was a great idea. Their location in the estate is ideal and highly desirable.

"The businesses which have moved in are enjoying great success in their new offices."

Askaris, a network security firm, was the first to move in last year. Director Susan Allison said: "We chose Aske Stables because of its location. It is ideal for communication links, with Teesside Airport and Darlington train station nearby, not to mention good road links.

"We are set in such beautiful surroundings, it is a pleasure to work in this environment and our customers are always very impressed when they come to visit us."

Rachel Lilley is managing director of Professional Information, which provides a specialised medical information service in support of the pharmaceutical industry. It relocated to Aske Stables from a base in the Thames Valley.

Ms Lilley said: "Our people are regularly under considerable pressure, providing the information doctors need to ensure safe and effective use of medicines.

"It certainly helps, in such a stressful environment, to look out over glorious views rather than at grey walls. Since we moved up here from the Thames Valley our business has gone from strength to strength."