PLANS for a tech accelerator - a hub to attract new technology companies to the city - will be supported by City of York Council.

A study to explore how start-ups could be supported in York and boost jobs is set to cost £24,000 - with the council agreeing to put £8,000 towards the project.

Other backers are set to include the University of York, York Science Park and Whitecap Consulting.

Cllr Andrew Waller, executive member for the economy, was asked to approve the funding at a meeting on Monday.

Simon Brerton, the council's head of economic growth, said the move could promote technology businesses in the city, adding: "This is a really interesting proposal.

"The study would look at the scope of a Europe-based technology accelerator.

"An accelerator is something that takes early stage and growth businesses and helps them get really to the next stage, with the intention of creating businesses which then can then really grow in York.

"And that would be very much the intention of this - to take forward some business ideas which could become significant employers in York in the future, particularly in the world of technology."

At least two other organisers are expected to contribute to the funding for the study.

Cllr Waller welcomed the plans.

He said: "I think it is a very helpful, tangible way of taking companies forward - providing space within the city that works for them.

"And I think it's encouraging that this is a partnership, so they're not expecting us to provide all the resources.

"A key part of it is providing advice, which I think is an important part of ensuring that start-up companies flourish within the city and don't feel the need to branch out to other towns or cities."

The feasibility study will look at whether the right conditions are in place in York for an accelerator scheme.