REGIONAL development agency One NorthEast (One) has made a key appointment.

Ian Williams has become director of business and industry, taking on responsibility for managing business support, enterprise and innovation agendas, from Monday.

He takes over from David Allison, who left last month to join the Newcastle Hospitals Foundation Trust. Mr Williams has worked for One since 2003, and has been promoted to his new role from head of business products.

He has spent all of his 22-year career working in the North East.