NEW companies in Durham City will receive a boost with the opening of a business centre.

Councillor Ken Manton, leader of Durham County Council, cut the first sod at the Evans Easyspace Business Centre, at Belmont Industrial Estate, on Monday.

The centre, which is expected to be completed by December, will encourage start-up businesses in the area.

As well as office space, the centre will offer additional services to help new businesses, ranging from running the payroll to providing office equipment.

Evans regional manager Ian Frostwick said: "We offer the complete package which will help new businesses get off the ground.

"We are also completely flexible and can tailor our services to our customers' needs."

The 10,550 sq ft centre at Belmont will have nine workshops and offices.

Evans has already received inquiries from interested companies.

The centre will be the first of its type in the North-East, but Evans is already planning two similar developments for North Tyneside.