A LOT has happened in the year since web development and online marketing company 9xb.com became a finalist in The Small Business Of The Year category of the 2006 Press Business Awards.

Now the organisation, based at Firecrest House on the Lingerfield Business Park, in Knaresborough, is trying again this year - and at the same time pitching for the Growth Business Of The Year title.

9xb.com, whose staff has doubled to 22 over the past year, now manages a portfolio of about 300 websites, ranging from Drax Power Station (for which it designed a secure investor relations site) to Minky Homecare, Rolawn, the NHS and television broadcasting star Selina Scott.

Just lately, it has added to its list global sportswear producer Hi-Tec, for whom 9xb manages its entire online business, and the retail giant, Tesco.

Last year, the firm launched its online marketing subsidiary, Clearsite Marketing, with its own identity and separate branding.

This takes advantage of an increasing shift by companies of marketing spend online with 80 per cent now including the internet in its marketing mix - a figure set to rise to 90 per cent by next year.

9xb was formed by Rob Burns and Rob Reeve.

Rob Burns is responsible for the day-to-day running of the company, iuncluding staffing, technology, sales and customer service. Rob Reeve is responsible for the financial management.

The company has been profitable in each of its three years, with the bulk of profits re-invested in the business.

Turnover has grown from £267,000 in the financial year to August 2005, to £450,000 by August 2006 and projections this month are for £750,000.