INTERNET business Intermedia Solutions has opened a franchise in Sunderland.

The Darlington company has invested a six-figure sum in Geo-Net Solutions, which is being expanded as franchises.

The first is in Sunderland and it is hoped that Geo-Net will have more than 50 franchises all over the country within three years, helping small and medium-sized businesses with their websites.

Businessman Peter Bulloch, now the managing director of the award-winning company, set up Intermedia Solutions ten years ago.

Its client base includes small and medium-sized businesses, larger companies and public sector organisations around the UK.

The team in Sunderland is being led by Ben Molloy, who has been recruited to manage pilots of the franchise.

He will be joined by programmer Andrew Murphy, who has moved to the region from Carlisle after graduating from the University of Durham. The team will be based at the Business Innovation Centre, in Sunderland.

Mr Molloy said: "We have chosen to launch the first franchise in Sunderland as it is already an area in which technology firms can thrive, thanks to the availability of a local, highly-skilled workforce. Over the coming months, once we have a permanent franchisee in place, Geo-Net has the potential to create a number of jobs in the area."

Anyone interested in finding out more about franchise opportunities should contact Peter Bullock on 01325 361729.