One firm looking to work with Buyers Guide is Gateshead builder Koru, which has doubled its turnover target for this year to £10m after landing a series of contracts, including refurbishment at Sunderland University and a number of residential schemes. The builder, which employs 45 people, is now looking for further public sector work as it strives to increase its sales to more than £12m by next year.

Koru director Tony Henderson said: "We’re channeling most of our resources in procuring public sector contracts at the moment and anything that can help us to do so is most welcome. We are looking forward to working more closely with Buyers Guide."

However, many believe more money needs to be pumped into North East infrastructure projects before any benefit is felt among local businesses.

North East Chamber of Commerce chief executive James Ramsbotham said: "Anything that can improve the way in which North East companies find out about local government contracts is to be welcomed.

"However, I still don’t believe the North East is being provided with enough work from local government to get it back on track.

"If this was increased by only 1%, it would improve the regional economy considerably."