EIGHTY jobs are to be created at a multi-million pound Internet business in the middle of Tadcaster.

Shopcreator, an Internet firm born from the kitchen table of one of its directors, also announced today it was seeking a listing on the London Stock Exchange.

The company already employs 70 staff in its two St Joseph's Street offices, and is looking to push that up to 150 by December - as well as opening new offices in Sydney and California.

The flourishing firm - which enables companies to build their own fully transactional secure websites - has already expanded from a staff of ten last September and are keen to employ more locals with the right skills.

Chief executive Andy Kitchener said: "Our software provides an on-line tool at low cost that can open up e-commerce for thousands of small and medium-sized businesses across the world who have little or no Internet experience."

Chief operating officer, Dr Mike Bowes, said proceeds from the proposed offer arising from the Stock Exchange listing would enable the company to accelerate growth plans and enhance its competitive edge. The company is currently taking on additional staff to satisfy the increasing demand for the award-winning e-commerce software. And further staff are being sought for immediate employment within sales and technical support, pushing staffing levels to more than 80 this month. To accommodate extra staff, Shopcreator has had to occupy another building in the town.