A KARTING circuit and corporate business venue has seen business increase by 40 per cent after launching a website a year ago.

Karting North-East, based at the Warden Law Motorsports Centre near Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, launched its website www.kartingnortheast.co.uk in August last year. It now accounts for 40 per cent of total business, recording 45,000 visitors a month. As a result turnover is up 35 per cent on last year's figures.

The site entailed a £2,000 investment by Ian Lawson, who set up Karting North-East in 1996.

Mr Lawson said: "The site has gone from strength to strength since going live, and has developed along with the company to reflect new activities and facilities.

"The Internet is an important part of my business plan to attract new areas of business, one of which being the corporate market which obviously benefits from easily accessible, quick and accurate information."

He added: "People are prepared to travel for the best karting venue and corporate facilities thus a good standard of website is vital.