THREE experts in starting and growing rural enterprises have joined Business Link North-East.

Each of the three rural account managers has an agricultural background, and will work closely with businesses in the landbased sector.

Steve Urwin, John Atkinson, and Chris France have joined Business Link after gaining many years of experience either running a business or providing business support.

Nicki Clark, director of operations, said: gThis team is already developing an impressive track record and I am certain that Steve, John and Chris will help sow the right seed to help rural businesses reap impressive rewards.h Two audit managers have been appointed at Hartlepool accountant Horwath Clark Whitehill.

Cary Surtees and Sara Buckworth are job-sharing the position following the promotion of the firmfs audit manager, Paul Harrison, to partner.

Mrs Surtees joined Horwath Clark Whitehill as an audit manager in 1994, having qualified as a chartered accountant in 1992 after training with a firm in Middlesbrough.

Mrs Buckworth trained with Horwath Clark Whitehill after graduating from Nottingham University in 1999.