A COLLABORATION of ten of the region's creative small businesses is hoping to provide a boost to their potential for success.

The firms in Tees Valley were brought together by the small business team at Business Link Tees Valley and have now joined forces to market their products and services.

Under the umbrella of Tees Creative Ventures, the group aims to pool its combined resources to promote the range of talents it represents.

Andrea Miles, Business Link's small business counsellor, said: "I see so many smaller businesses in my role with BLTV and many of them are operating alone. It struck me that it would make a lot of sense for like-minded businesses to pool their experiences."

The businesses range from artists, jewellery makers, graphic designers, greeting card designers, furniture upholsterers, merchandisers, internet advisors and decorative glass and mirror designers.

One of the members, Chris Aird, of Hartlepool-based Re-Upholstery Centre and Suite Shop, said: "I have found it to be very constructive networking with other local companies who are experiencing challenges very similar to those our business is facing."

Redcar-based Vicky Trainer said: "We are all very different in the group but we share the same aims and we all have the same energy.

"It's good to know we are all supporting each other."