THE new chairman of One North-East marked her first official duty with a visit to Barnard Castle.

Margaret Fay met Northern Archaeological Associates, a commercial consultancy which has moved into energy efficient units on Harmire Enterprise Park, Barnard Castle - a £1.4m scheme developed by One North-East and Teesdale District Council.

Richard Fraser and Peter Cardwell established NAA in 1990, setting up their first office in Barnard Castle two years later. Specialising in advising developers on archaeological constraints and preservation, NAA's work involves desk-based studies, fieldwork and excavations, investigating sites ranging from the Mesolithic to Second World War munitions factories.

The company has recently worked on such high-profile projects as excavations of a mediaeval suburb of Gallowgate in Newcastle; a Roman settlement at Stamford Bridge; a major study of Hadrian's Wall and two Iron Age communities in County Durham.

Mr Fraser said the company had enjoyed steady growth and was now one of the region's leading archaeological consultancy and contracting organisations.

"Over the years, we have been brought in to assess and advise on road schemes, mineral extraction projects and water, gas and chemical pipeline developments across the country and it is this varied client base that has enabled us to expand," he said.

Keen to keep the business in Barnard Castle, because of its rural setting and good transport links, NAA saw the Harmire development as an ideal location for its 11-strong workforce.

"As a member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and often working with clients who require us to have effective environmental policies and procedures in place, we felt the move to these energy efficient units enabled us to demonstrate our commitment," said Mr. Fraser.

Built specifically to attract fledgling firms and small to medium-sized enterprises, the high quality accommodation is designed to be extremely cost effective. Photovoltaic panels in the roof can convert solar energy into electricity for the buildings; rainwater is recycled for use in toilets and other energy efficient techniques have been employed throughout.

Cycle sheds have been provided to encourage environmentally friendly travel to work.

The company received the keys to the new premises from Mrs Fay, who said she was delighted to celebrate the success of NAA and welcome staff into their new premises.

"The units at Harmire have been built to the highest environmental standards and also house the latest technology, enabling firms to find a base and grow in this rural area," she said. "All the business units we have developed on the estate are now fully let in just over six months, creating significant employment and economic benefits to the Barnard Castle economy."