A FLOURISHING business is proving the key to its success is keeping its roots firmly in the North-East.

Sunderland-born businessmen Mike Coombs and Steve Woolston returned to Wearside last year to open a regional office for national computer company, TSF.

And the major reseller of computers specialising in networking, e-commerce and anti-virus equipment, responded this year by being placed 65th in the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 publication.

The list includes the top 100 UK unquoted companies which have achieved significant growth over the last three years. Much of its success is put down to its operation at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC).

The company was founded in 1990 by Mike and cricketing partner John Roberts, but enjoyed a less than auspicious start.

"We had a bank overdraft and were working from a bedroom with everything we owned on the line," said Mike.

Now an IBM business partner, TSF has been highly successful in the IT industry with its portfolio of e-business and security solutions. In the past year it has achieved the coveted IBM centre of excellence accreditation.

It now employs five people at the Sunderland office, and 11 at its main office in London, and sees the North-East as key to its past and future.

Steve Woolston said: "When we started here 18-months ago, it was to help companies in the region to become more efficient and profitable by utilising the latest technology.

"We have been able to use our knowledge to help local businesses make the most of these advances, and equip them with the necessary skills for a changing marketplace."