TWO women who set up in business to help technology firms across the region have clinched a number of large contracts.

Judith Peacock and Jill Newey launched Further Consultancy, based in Durham, in the summer to help companies promote their ideas and increase their chances of success.

The firm offers a range of services including project management, business development, strategy sessions, event and forum facilitation

The pair were well-known in the business support area, having worked on major projects for organisations, including the North-East's digital centre of excellence, Codeworks, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Small Business Service, ICI, and EMAP Performance. In the six months since launching, the company has won major consultancy contracts with the likes of The North East Regional Portal, Newcastle City Council, the Digital Women's Network and the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC).

Ms Peacock, co-director of Further Consultancy, said: "We set up Further because the time seemed right to bring a new, progressive face to consultancy in the North-East.

"We could see gaps, specifically in the technology sector, where we could enhance the excellent products and services on offer by providing a high quality, flexible, and most importantly experienced resource."

Further's clients are full of praise of the service offered by the pair.

Olwyn Hocking, co-chairwoman of the Digital Women's Network, said: "Further Consultancy were utterly amazing.

"I've worked with quite a few facilitators on strategy sessions - often expensive ones hired by large organisations - and they are undoubtedly one of the most skilled I've ever seen."

Emily Barber, director and producer of Striding Edge Films Ltd, said: "I genuinely like Further Consultancy's style and can see the quality of work behind the apparent ease of delivery."