AN Internet company has installed a network across the region that it hopes could increase its turnover to £8.5m next year.

Knowledge IT, in Washington, Wearside, has spent £1m installing its Nexent system in North-East exchanges.

The system allows it to operate a private network that can run several services over the same connection, including Internet and telephones.

It is the first unified system specifically for businesses, that can channel voice, data, business applications, Internet, mobile and off-site data replication services through a single connection.

Knowledge is also offering the North-East's first disaster recovery service, in which customers have their data stored in a secure location.

Law firm Ward Hadaway is one of the first to sign up to Knowledge's full service, including the disaster recovery.

As part of the service, if Ward Hadaway's Newcastle Quayside offices burnt down, or flooded, staff could move to offices at Sunderland's Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), where all their data would be accessible.

George Sanger, sales director at Knowledge IT, said: "The system works out cheaper for businesses because mobile, Internet and landlines, as well as other services, all run through a single connection, which is much cheaper and easier than different connections."

Customers for the Nexent system include the BIC and PD Ports plc, and public sector organisations which, in particular, need the disaster recovery services.

Mr Sanger said: "Businesses and organisations have to be aware of potential disasters.

"Disaster recovery services have been available for years in London, but this is the first time we can offer a service of this type in the North-East.

"At the BIC, we have accommodation for 200 staff if disaster was to strike one of our customers.

"The threat of fire, flood or explosions is real and I think more organisations are becoming aware of what they would do if there was an emergency.

"Losing an Internet connection if you are an Internet-based call centre, for example, is a disaster.

"We would not only have all their data stored, but we could give them desk space if they needed it. That is how we are unique."

Mr Sanger said Knowledge, which employs 60 staff in Washington, hoped its new Nexent division would increase turnover, due to reach £7m this year, to £8.5m next year.