A SPORTSWEAR brand is using the North-East to bolster its UK presence.

Beyond Limits Known Sports (BLK) has sold its UK licence in a £450,000 deal.

The business, which will trade as BLK United Kingdom, is based in Stockton, and has just taken delivery of stock worth £1m.

Creating an initial eight jobs, it is led by chief executive, Ben Houchen, and chief operating officer, Mark Holt, together with head of purchasing, Claire Fiddler, and head of marketing, Ben Azadi.

BLK, founded in Australia in 2011, provides kit for the England rugby league team and the US, Samoa and Fiji rugby union sides.

It also supplies Aussie Rules clubs and the Australian and New Zealand netball teams.

Mr Houchen, said its UK division aims to work with teams across the country, adding it hopes to introduce a range of non-licenced sportswear.

He added: “We are pleased and proud to be launching this venture.

“Acquiring the BLK licence for the UK represents a significant investment but we have a wealth of experience in the team and a myriad of exciting and innovative ideas to make the business a major success story for the region.”