WINNING new business is no laughing matter for Internet development company Spacestore Creative.

The firm, based at ezone in the Team Valley, Gateshead, is winning lots of new business thanks to the launch of the JokeVote comedy service assessed through the Internet and mobile phones.

The online interactive platform, run by Funkigroup, also based at the Team Valley, allows its subscribers to read, submit or vote for jokes, articles, comics and animation.

But with votes changing every day and new jokes constantly being submitted, the website requires constant updating.

That's when FunkiGroup owner Emma Robinson sought help from Spacestore Creative, for help with the site's day-to-day technical management.

Emma said: "It's really useful having companies close at hand that are operating in related industries. It means we can work collaboratively to exploit more new opportunities.

"As an online entertainment provider, partnerships with manufacturers and other service providers are crucial to the business's growth and development."

Gary Robertshaw, at Spacestore Creative, said: "Moving into ezone has opened up new opportunities by linking us with other clients such as FunkiGroup, to provide complementary products and services."

Ezone is a joint venture between the Express Group and Gateshead Borough Council, and is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.