REGIONAL development agency One NorthEast is looking for a "business champion" to increase companies' growth, bring in inward investment and deliver strategies and results for the region.

The departure of George Cowcher as head of the business team at the agency leaves a vacancy for one of the most challenging but rewarding positions in the region and the successful candidate will have ideas to achieve all the objectives above.

The new head will also need to have business experience, be an innovative thinker and also be able to show a history of delivering results.

Chief executive Mike Collier said: "This is a job which will be demanding, but with the end result of helping so many businesses and individuals to succeed, it's a position that I think will attract a lot of interest.

"George has done well for the agency in his time with us and is now moving on to his new job as chief executive of the North East Regional Chamber.

"We are now looking for another exceptional individual to continue the work already done and help drive forward the regeneration of the North- East."

One NorthEast has achieved much since it was created in 1999. In 2001-2002, the agency helped create or safeguard more than 16,500 jobs, and nearly 1,800 new business start-ups.

Performance indicators set for all regional development agencies show the North-East is exceeding expectations and is well on the way to delivering the ambitious aims of the Regional Economic Strategy.