THE latest tenant to take office space in a historic County Durham building means it close to capacity a year after it was launched as a business centre.

Workplace health and ergonomics firm Posturite has moved into the Manor House in the centre of Sedgefield, bringing the total of companies based in the building up to six, between them employing more than 40 staff.

The 18th Century Manor House is located in the heart of Sedgefield and has been transformed into a business hub following a change in ownership late in 2014.

The Grade II listed building is owned and managed by Manor House 1707 Ltd, a local enterprise that is run by business partners Ean Parsons and Ian Philipson, and has a variety of office accommodation, along with meeting and events space, including the Old Court Room on the ground floor.

Posturite, which has headquarters in East Sussex, has rented a suite of offices, representing its first permanent base in the north and creating 10 jobs.

Jane Skilbeck of Manor House 1707, said: "When we launched this building as a business centre, we were convinced of its potential, but we were not sure how quickly the offices would be occupied. It’s fantastic to see this place so busy only a year later, not only with our tenants, but also thanks to the increasing number of events that we host in the Old Court Room.”