THE East Durham Business Service (EDBS) has appointed a new leader to take the organisation forward.

Peter Chapman joined EDBS in the newly created role of chief executive from Sunderland City Council, where he was assistant chief executive.

Mr Chapman, whose background is in economic development, said: “This really is an exciting time for both EDBS and myself as we look to develop our services to meet the changing needs of businesses in our area.

“I am fortunate to be joining a great team with a good reputation for business support and hopefully will build on this success as we move forward.

“What is very clear is that the system for support and advice to local businesses is changing and we must change too. However, I am determined that the point of contact for local businesses remain EDBS, which provides an effective one stop shop service.”

In the six years since it was set up in partnership between Easington District Council’s economic development team and East Durham Development Agency, EDBS has helped set up more than 600 businesses.

It also works to help small firms expand and has placed 345 young people in apprenticeships with local businesses.

With the start of the new unitary Durham County Council at the beginning of April, the district council has disappeared but the organisation it helped form says the business services will continue unchanged.

It is also planning to expand its East Durham Apprenticeships Programme to include adult apprenticeships.