THE MetroCentre is to open 24 hours a day, seven days a week - or at least it will be to Internet users.

Visitors to the site can take a virtual trip down any mall and browse in every store at the Gateshead complex from the comfort of their own homes. Owner Capital Shopping Centres has joined forces with Mall-UK to create the service, allowing users a chance to shop round the clock. MetroCentre marketing manager Karen Carr said: "This new service will be great for all shoppers who visit the centre from anywhere in the world, but don't want to carry goods home or, indeed, decide they want a product after they have left the centre. It will also be an ideal addition for the many people who simply enjoy shopping from home or the perfect solution for those puzzling over the gift for the person with everything." The site can be viewed on www.metrocentre.uk.com

BASE SALE: Scarborough Building Society has put its head office premises on the market. With the development of new offices making good progress, the society said it was time to start the search for a new owner for Prospect House, in Scalby Road. Offering almost 2,000sq m of office space, it will be marketed by Carter Jonas, in Leeds.

STUDIO DESIGNS: North-East architect Ryder has submitted designs for a £70m television studio and broadcasting headquarters in Qatar, Abu Dhabi, in conjunction with developer WS Atkins Partners and Overseas. The project follows a scheme to build the £200m Murabak television complex in Cairo, in which Ryder also played a key role.

Charity boost: More than 6,000 Skipton Building Society customers have raised £300,000 for charity by investing in the NSPCC Mini Cash ISA. The scheme was launched three years ago and money has been raised by customers forgoing 0.5 per cent of the rate of interest they receive on their account, which is then donated to the NSPCC's Full Stop campaign at the end of each tax year.

CHANGING HANDS: The French government has shed a 11 per cent stake in car maker Renault as part of a deal to strengthen its ties with Nissan. The French firm last month upped its stake in the Japanese manufacturer to 44 per cent