BUSINESS Link Tees Valley has appointed a new brokerage manager.

Colin Grimson will be responsible for leading a team of account managers in providing support to businesses across the Tees Valley.

Mr Grimston previously worked for the organisation as a UK Online for Business advisor and was promoted in recognition of his knowledge of business-related issues and his team leadership skills.

The role will give him the opportunity to influence the way the team of account managers carry out their work to best meet the needs of the customer.

Mr Grimston has worked with small businesses for four years. Before joining Business Link in 2001 as the first ICT business advisor, he worked as technology business manager at Ibex Business Solutions where he was responsible for advice to small businesses as well as the development of software, websites and all aspects of managing a small business.

Before this he worked in further education for 12 years and was also involved in a family electrical business, providing him with first-hand experience of the issues faced by small and medium-sized firms.

He said: "My varied experience of business operations and people provides an excellent background of skills to lead and support a team of business advisors and account managers.

"I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenges that my new role will bring and to the satisfaction gained from involvement in a larger team of dedicated business support people."