TWO friends who combined their skills to start up in business a year ago are already considering expansion after attracting more than 1,700 customers.

Dave Nesbit used his 25 years in the paints industry to create Premier Paint and Wallpaper with his friend, publican Derek Barrass.

The pair set up shop on the Team Valley as an ideal spot for trade customers but they are now looking for new premises to open a shop.

The business offers products suitable for everything from the factory floor to the bedroom ceiling.

Because of his long-term contacts in the trade, Mr Nesbit is confident of being able to source products that the business does not keep in stock as a matter of course.

Premier Paint and Wallpaper is also a big believer in supporting other North East businesses.

Mr Nesbit said: “This year we’ve bought £35,000-£45,000 of stock from local suppliers.

“That’s keeping people in jobs and supporting the local economy. These are difficult times but we can pull together and get through it.”