A MALTON sportswear business is looking to expand into new online markets after becoming the 1000th firm to sign up to Superfast North Yorkshire.

Pro-am Kits has taken on its first employee and adopted a new digital business strategy though its work with the Superfast programme, which is designed to help businesses get the full benefits of high speed fibre broadband.

Superfast North Yorkshire is run by BT and North Yorkshire County Council, and after signing up Pro-am Kits has now worked with 1000 small businesses since its launch in January last year.

Pro-am Kits managing director Dan Hodgson said: “It has been just about a month since I completed the course and already I’ve seen a real impact on the business and been able to take on my first member of staff.

"The programme helped us to develop a new digital business strategy and launch an online marketing campaign which is really making a difference and helping to attract new customers.”

Taking part in the Business Support Programme has given Mr Hodgon's business a further boost as he was eligible for a £700 grant for completing the scheme.

He said: "The grant we have been awarded has really helped kick start our strategy and put us six months ahead of where we thought we would be."