The North-East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), in Sunderland, has made two appointments following the introduction of a new purchasing system.

JANICE MARSH, 44, has been appointed finance assistant and will be responsible for processing purchase orders and invoices as well as helping to distribute the Business Link Micro Loan Fund.

KATHRYN TIMM, 45, has taken over Ms Marsh's role in the BIC Services department as part-time administrator.