An example is Solar Energy Centre based at Wansbeck Enterprise Centre in Ashington, which is a topical success story.

Husband and wife team David and Aileen Pollard of Ashington obtained business start up advice initially from Dave Gibbon of Northumberland Business Service Ltd.

They commenced trading in March 2006 and, assisted by the business growth advice supplied by Northumberland Business Service Ltd, they have established one of the fastest growing energy businesses in the north east.

The technology involves the use of solar panels on the roofs of buildings to heat water.

One of the business's first domestic customers was Keith Davison of Stobhill, Morpeth, who has seen his fuel bills cut by almost 40 per cent in the past 12 months since his solar water heating system was installed.

Keith said: "I am delighted with the system, it will save me in the region of £500 a year, and the service provided by Solar Energy Centre was extremely professional."

David Pollard, a time-served plumber with specialist training in solar heating, said: "The support received from Dave Gibbon of Northumberland Business Service Ltd certainly accelerated the growth of the company."

He added: "Undoubtedly, solar water heating can make a difference for domestic consumers, but it is business and commercial premises that can really benefit from installing solar roof panels."

His wife Aileen, who deals with all administrative duties for the company, added: "Apart from being a more economical way to run a building's hot water system, the benefits to the environment are really important and contribute dramatically towards reducing a business's carbon footprint."

She added: "We have recently won contracts with Northern Coalfield Property Company, Gateshead Council and, with the recent increase in oil and gas prices, we have seen a steady growth in domestic enquiries. As a result of the growth in business we are delighted to have offered full time employment to three local tradesmen."

Northumberland Business Service Ltd is delighted to be sponsoring the Northumberland Business Awards which are being organised by Northeast Press.

The deadline for entries is Friday, September 19 and the awards dinner takes place at Linden Hall on Thursday, November 13. For more information about the awards or to fill in an entry form, visit the Morpeth Herald website at www.morpethherald.co.uk.

Anyone interested in possible sponsorship opportunities should contact Catherine Moat, events manager, on 0191 5017129 or e-mail catherine.moat@northeast-press.co.uk