AN IT worker has taken a business from home to the office after receiving financial backing.

Matthew Pearsall has founded digital agency Hype.

Mr Pearsall, who has 15 years’ experience in the IT sector, was supported by a £4,800 loan from UK Steel Enterprise’s regeneration fund.

Based in The Hub, in Redcar, Hype’s services include web design, graphic design and social media management, and Mr Pearsall said demand from clients across the charity, leisure, fashion, technology and events sectors has created job opportunities.

Having already recruited a part-time copywriter, Mr Pearsall hopes to welcome a web designer in the coming weeks.

He said: “Digital support and social media is such a vital area for businesses looking to grow. I really love what I do and it’s important to me that, as we grow Hype, we are also helping other local businesses and boosting the economy.

“The funding and ongoing advice from UK Steel Enterprise has been invaluable and has meant I could move a home-based business into office premises and purchase vital software licences.”

Sarah Thorpe, area manager for UK Steel Enterprise, the Tata Steel business support subsidiary, said she was delighted to see Mr Pearsall fulfil his dream.

She added: “Our regeneration fund can help new and smaller businesses with the relatively small amount of funds they need to buy vital equipment, pay rent or just to tide them over in those early challenging stages. Hype has made a great start and is also helping other young businesses to grow.”