A design firm is planning to launch a recruitment drive after receiving a five-figure investment.

Prudhoe-based design firm, AS Design North East, has received the cash injection from the North East Small Loan Fund.

The North East Small Loan Fund is designed to support more than 320 SMEs in the Tyne & Wear, Durham, and Northumberland areas, creating over 1,200 new regional jobs in the process.

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Founded by Alan Sawyers in 2011, AS Design shifted to full-time operation in 2019.

It offers a range of graphic design services for digital and print media with a client base that includes North East SMEs as well as musicians Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp.

The company has been steadily growing its team, which now includes Nathan Cockburn, who was initially hired through the government's Kickstart scheme.

Today, Mr Cockburn leads the launch of and co-owns AS Design's sister company, SNAC Digital.

With the new funding, managed by NEL Fund Managers, the company is set to extend its client portfolio further.

Additional services, including SEO, e-commerce, digital advertising management and coding, are being integrated into the company’s scope.

New talent is also being taken on board to meet the increasing client demands.

Looking ahead, the business plans to find larger offices in the region to accommodate its expanding workforce.

Mr Sawyer said: "Being able to provide a wider range of services means we can meet more of our clients’ requirements and provide them with an efficient single point of contact that delivers more of what they need.

“Moving into areas like digital advertising requires particular expertise, especially with the advent of AI making change happen quickly in this field, and we’re growing the team to make sure we stay ahead of the game."

He added: "This investment marks a real milestone moment for the business and we’re excited at the opportunities that we know are out there for us to grasp."

Susan Snowdon, investment executive at NEL Fund Managers, said: "Alan and his team have a clear idea of how they want the business to expand and the growing range of skills and knowledge they need to make it happen."