THE North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) has made two appointments.

Amelia Pearce, 22, has joined as marketing services assistant and will be responsible for the design and production of promotional packs for start-up companies.

She will also be helping with the development of the marketing services offered by the BIC.

She lives in Hartlepool and graduated from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (Umist) with a BSc in management science.

Phillip Bainbridge, 20, has joined as a trainee electrician and is the second Modern Apprentice to join the BIC.

He will support the maintenance team in caring for the site, including decorating office space for new tenants, fixing any problems and testing fire alarms.

He lives in Low Fell, Gateshead, and will be working towards an NVQ in performing engineering operations, organised with support from the North East Chamber of Commerce.