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Fast broadband helps Teesdale entrepreneurs win recognition
The district has been named the most entrepreneurial in the north-east.
According to the Teesdale Mercury, a study showed the area has one business for every 15.5 residents - significantly more than in cities such as Newcastle.
Barnard Castle Vision, a local regeneration group, has been heralded as one of the main reasons for the location's success at attracting and developing small businesses.
The organisation offers advice and financial assistance to budding entrepreneurs, and is also involved in the Digital Dale scheme, which is aiming to boost broadband provision in the area.
Annalisa Ward, project officer at Barnard Castle Vision, said projects of this nature are proving "invaluable" to local firms by providing fast broadband connections and increased networking opportunities.
"Those who live and work in Teesdale will know that there is a great deal of entrepreneurial spirit in this part of the country," she commented.
"Barnard Castle Vision is proud to support these local business and passionate about helping to create an environment where this entrepreneurial spirit can truly thrive."
The Digital Dale initiative, launched in March with the backing of Durham County Council, aims to deliver a subscription-based wireless broadband service to businesses and householders in Teesdale.
Speaking at the time, project manager Anne Allen described the network as one of the most advanced in the country and claimed it will "transform lives".
It is due to be fully rolled out this summer, having already gone live in many communities. Once the work is complete, every dwelling in the area - no matter how remote - will receive access to broadband.
Unlike many broadband products that use 'up to' speeds to indicate the download capabilities of a connection, the Digital Dale service guarantees to offer rates of at least 2Mbps at all times of day, regardless of how many people are online.