The NET gains

Oct 20 2009 by Karen McLauchlan, Evening Gazette

TECHNOLOGY is now an essential tool for any business. But it’s those whose use of internet and ICT brings about innovation, growth and development that will emerge winners at the nebusiness awards 2009.

Taking the Tees Valley crown in 2008 was Ramsdens Financial, Middlesbrough.

The internet has allowed the firm to dispel the misconceptions of the pawnbroking business and enabled customers to discover more about its services from their own homes.

With its site, www.GotGoldGet Cash.co.uk people can transact with Ramsdens without ever calling in to a pawnbrokers.

The internet has also given the company access to a national audience and had a significant impact on its sales figures.

The company has continued to grow in the last 12 months, most recently opening a new outlet in Thornaby, creating two full-time jobs.

Taking the overall North-east crown - after first triumphing in the Tyneside and Northumberland heat - was Bean Bag Bazaar, of Cramlington.

Shoppers can buy hundreds of bean bags in all shapes and sizes from this innovative firm’s online business. The website was launched in 2006 when the business moved from a garage-based start-up into its first commercial premises.

Its products have this year been seen by millions as official suppliers to Living TV’s Britain’s Next Top Model 2009.

Winner of the Durham and Wearside title was Unified Software, of Houghton-le-Spring.