DEMAND for licensed businesses to buy in the region is exceeding supply, it was announced yesterday.

The Newcastle office of specialist business agents Christies and Co has reported strong sales of public houses, hotels, guesthouses and restaurants across the North-East.

Adrian Mattock, director at the Newcastle office, said he believed businesses in the region currently offer excellent value for money, with the entry level for leasehold businesses starting as low as £50,000, and freehold from between £80,000 and £100,000.

He said: "Strong sales of public houses in the first half of the year are partly as a result of low interest rates and a relatively stable economy, and partly because demand for good quality properties, particularly freehouses, is exceeding supply."