THE economic development team at South Tyneside Council have taken to the road to promote the borough's latest business directory.

A record number of firms is included in the relaunched directory, with more high-tech ventures choosing to establish themselves in the borough.

The 104-page directory aims to encourage trade and generate new business for local firms. More than 1,500 copies of the directory have already been distributed to businesses across South Tyneside.

The borough's twin towns, of Wuppertal in Germany and Noisy-le-Sec and Epinay in France, will also receive copies.

The guide contains the details of more than 600 business in South Tyneside, as well as a list of services such as banks, financial consultants and solicitors.

Councillor Jim Harper, lead member for regeneration at the council, said the guide showed the borough's economy was doing well.

He said: "It is not until you actually see a list of businesses operating in the borough that the scale of the upturn in the local economy becomes apparent.

"There are hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses thriving alongside some of the more established larger companies.

"It is particularly satisfying that this year's guide contains an increasing number of high-tech businesses."

Copies of the guide are available by contacting Richard Fishwick on 0191-427 1717.