TOP local authority chiefs throughout York and North Yorkshire have welcomed a new "one voice" approach to marketing the region to potential investors from across the globe.

It follows a brainstorming session in Knaresborough, designed to forge a united strategy for attracting fresh investment to North Yorkshire.

The meeting was part of an initiative by york-england.com, the York-based inward investment agency for the region.

york-england.com claims that over the last year it has exceeded targets by more than 10 per cent and attracted 30 new companies to the region, creating and safeguarding nearly 500 jobs.

Coun Brian Percival, who was appointed york-england.com's chairman in July, is also chairman of the economy board at Selby District Council.

He said: "We already have great strength in IT, healthcare, bio-manufacturing, food and drink and environmental technology. We also have two very strong business hearts in York and Harrogate, pumping economic blood throughout the body of North Yorkshire.

Councillor Quentin Macdonald, of City of York Council and a york-england.com board member, said: "Alone we can only do so much. By working together with york-england.com we can get across the message of just how much our city has to offer, far more effectively."

Updated: 11:02 Friday, October 28, 2005