SOUTHERN businesses are reversing the North-South divide by moving to this region.

Of the many businesses located at Aske, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, four moved from the South.

Two of them have been at the Aske Stables development for more than a year and have achieved outstanding growth.

Keith and Rachel Lilley moved their pharmaceutical advice company, Professional Information Ltd, to Aske from Bracknell, Berkshire.

Mr Lilley said: "There are significant benefits to being based in the North."

Another company that has not looked back since moving North is telecoms solutions firm Phone Control UK.

Managing director Bill O'Halloran and his wife, Sue, who is sales manager, used to work in Maidenhead.

Mr O'Halloran said: "We were looking for a prestigious place to locate our offices because we deal with some large international clients. The Aske Stables met our requirements perfectly."

Joining Phone Control UK and Professional Information Ltd are the Environmental Advice Centre, from Portland, Dorset, and sales recruitment firm Dorchester Search and Selection, formerly of Henley-on-Thames.

Lord Ronaldshay, of Zetland Estates, which operates the stables development, said: "It is marvellous to see people moving up from the South."