A DESIGN agency has moved on to pastures new after being given a helping hand by a business centre.

Urban River, which offers print and digital design solutions to its clients, has moved out of Ezone's office facilities at Team Valley after more than a year.

As one of the region's leading centres for entrepreneurs Ezone offers small, rapidly growing businesses a start-up location, providing a range of professional and flexible facilities, including office space, reception cover and the hire of meeting rooms.

As a new business, Urban River moved into Ezone with a team of six and by March, had 14 employees.

Since being formed by Paul Slater and David Frame, it has attracted clients including Comeleon plc, Northumbria Police and Express Group.

Mr Slater, who previously owned an Internet design business, said: "Ezone opened up excellent networking opportunities to us, as well as providing us with strategic planning support and advice.

"Their support has continued even now we have moved on and we plan to continue using their virtual office facilities."

Urban River has moved to County Durham, and plans to launch a software communications package allowing businesses to communicate more effectively with their suppliers and clients.