WITH York's growing status as a science city a firm of patent and trade mark attorneys have found their niche protecting the intellectual assets of businesses in the sector.

Secerna, which is hoping to be named Small Business of the Year, has its head office based at York Science Park at York University’s Heslington East site, and this year opened a second office in the city centre of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

The firm works in a wide range of technical fields including healthcare, biotechnology, consumer electronics and mechanical engineering.

Secerna was established in May 2011 with an aim to provide Intellectual Property advice to companies, organisations and individuals based in Yorkshire, the North-East of England and further afield.

The founders Jason Boakes and Charlotte Watkins, were previously partners of a large UK-based firm of patent and trade mark attorneys and have worked in the Intellectual Property field for many years.

Whilst having a global reach Secerna is particularly committed to supporting innovative companies in Yorkshire and the North East in general to help them develop and protect their Intellectual Property to safeguard their investment in innovation.

Clare Burnard, executive assistant at Secerna, said: "From the outset, there has been a strong desire to develop an outstanding reputation in the region as being the professional services supplier of choice in the patents sector.

"In addition, there has always been an intent to employ motivated, highly skilled and commercially focussed attorneys and support staff that wanted to be part of a new firm and be involved in its development and evolution.

"The firm provides an environment that is highly supportive but which encourages all staff to make the most of their potential."