SMALL businesses in the region are suffering from a lack of suitable premises, according to research.

The survey by Spacia has revealed many businesses in the North-East cannot get established or expand because they can not find accommodation in the area.

Now a call has been made for more information on premises to be given to small business advice centres and for more Internet databases of premises to be set up.

Stephen Barrie, director of Spacia, said: "Twenty one per cent of small businesses interviewed in the North-East have experienced difficulty in finding accommodation.

"Although this is down from 33 per cent in 2001, it still represents a significant obstacle to small business growth in the region."

There are an estimated 90,000 small businesses in the North-East amd the survey claims most find it difficult to get premises in the right location and at the right price.

The survey also revealed a need for landlords to be more flexible to allow businesses to grow and in turn keep up their leases.