MIDDLESBROUGH and Hartlepool have been named among the top 10 fastest-growing online towns in the UK.

Hartlepool came second in the Google UK e-town rankings with an impressive growth rate of 42%, while Middlesbrough recorded a rate of 34.6% to secure fifth place in the list.

The list recognises locations that generate high levels of business growth through the use of the internet.

A total of 700 towns were ranked in order of the highest percentage increase in Google AdWord usage among small and medium-sized businesses over the last year.

Teesside-based entrepreneur Dominic Reede, the owner of Middlesbrough property hire firm Cold Moor Cottages, has seen business boom since he started using AdWords.

AdWords allows businesses to advertise relevant text ads next to Google search results, with businesses charged only when someone clicks on their ad.

Mr Reede said: “Views on our website have increased tenfold and I have noticed about 85% of my customers come from online advertising.

“It’s been a great factor in my success and I have already recommended having a proper online presence to friends with businesses.”

Companies with an online presence grow four to eight times faster than those without, according to the Boston Consulting Group.

On that basis, firms in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool are a significant driver of economic activity and growth.

The trend towards online marketing has been championed by one of the region’s leading business groups, the North East Chamber of Commerce, which has more than 4,000 members in the region.

James Ramsbotham, NECC chief executive, said: “Teesside’s entrepreneurs have seized the opportunity to grow their businesses, or even set up from scratch, with the use of the internet and many of the free online services available on Google. “

The top 10 towns are:

1 Scunthorpe 47.2%

2 Hartlepool 42%

3 Lymington 40.8%

4 Lewes 34.7%

5 Middlesbrough 34.6%

6 Frome 32.7%

7 Thatcham 30.2%

8 St Austell 26.9%

9 Carlisle 26.5%

10 Havant 26.4%