THE company behind the Sleep Inn concept is opening a chain of hotels across the UK following the success of its Newton Aycliffe site.

Aston Hotels has chosen to locate its head office in the North-East as it rolls out the chain, investing tens of millions of pounds across the country.

Turnover increased 15 per cent year on year in 2005, and it expects that to grow again, creating more jobs in the region as it expands the chain.

The £4m Sleep Inn, just off the A1 at Newton Aycliffe, opened in 2003 and, following its success, Aston is planning more purpose-built hotels in Dumfries, Scotland, and Port Talbot, in Wales.

It is also eyeing locations across the North to open another ten hotels within five years.

It has decided to base its headquarters for the hotel chain at its Newton Aycliffe site, where it employs 45 people.

The company has been supported by Business Link in County Durham since it began in 2003.

Aston Hotels was founded by Paresh Kotecha, the businessman who bought and developed Slaley Hall, near Hexham, during the mid-90s.

Operations director John Deighan said: "We are describing ourselves as New Generation Business Hotels.

"We are targeting mainly business customers." The company's hotels are built to exact specifications to make them more efficient.

Mr Deighan said: "The hotels have been designed specifically to keep gas and electricity costs incredibly low.

"We're keeping the exact details close to our chests but I can say it has proved so successful that we actually spend more on water rates than we do on our power bills.

"These savings are then passed on to our customers."

Rooms include king-size beds, power showers, air conditioning, satellite TV and free wireless broadband.

Sleep Inn also has conference facilities, and Mr Deighan said it was undercutting rivals on cost.

Business Link helped the company to access consultants and training on the new IT and telephone equipment needed for the company's expansion, as well as marketing advice.

Business Link has been working with the company since it opened its inaugural hotel. They are now looked after by Julie Underwood, Business Link account manager, based at Sedgefield Borough Business Service.

"Business Link has been more than happy to help with this exciting company and we're absolutely delighted that they have decided to locate their head office in the North-East," Julie said.

For more information about the hotels, visit www.sleep-inn.co.uk.