THE two North-East entrepreneurs behind successful Internet site AskAlix.com have set up a new online business.

Gary Baker and Chris Johnson have launched ParazziPack.com, a website enabling amateur and professional digital photographers to become self-employed without having to make a major investment.

The site allows photographers to download images and sell them to customers online.

Mr Baker said: "We wanted to create a business that would allow individuals who like the idea of working for themselves to do so without the associated risk."

Mr Johnson said: "Gary and I have risked everything to get a business up and running in the past. However, we recognise that taking big risks is just not an option for many people.

"ParazziPack gets business careers started with virtually no risk. It can be part-time at first, so not interfering with day jobs. Individuals can progress their activities into a full-time business when they are confident."

ParazziPack is unlike other online sites for photographers, which often take a cut of any sale.

It charges members £10 a month for using the facility, and all payments made by customers buying photographs go directly to the photographer.

Mr Johnson said: "ParazziPack also provides access to a news shot distribution system, should any member capture a newsworthy event, while event organisers and venue managers can use ParazziPack to book photographers to attend their event free of charge.

"Design agencies, or for that matter anyone who requires photographs for design, marketing or presentation activities, can search the ParazziPack picture database for free.

"They can even commission an original photograph, without charge."

Mr Baker and Mr Johnson joined forces in 1997 when they launched AskAlix.com, Europe's largest online business directory containing 22 million businesses in 15 countries.

AskAlix was sold to Enable Media in 2004 and remains a major employer on Teesside. It recently acquired its early rival Scoot.com

Mr Johnson said: "AskAlix has now brought about £20m into Teesside, which is not bad when you consider we kicked off from a small attic in Yarm High Street."

The pair's ParazziPack offices are also based in Yarm.