A business centre which has helped 230 firms to find their feet has marked 15 years supporting the energy sector on the Norfolk coast.

The Beacon Innovation Centre, in Gorleston, was set up by enterprise agency Nwes during a downturn in the oil and gas industry in 2002 and since then has been home to businesses such as Seajacks, 3Sun Group, and GEV Offshore.

John Balch, strategic director of Nwes, said: 'Beacon Innovation Centre was a major investment to boost supply chain development and economic growth at a time when the offshore oil and gas industry was struggling following a major price shock. As the offshore industry reinvents itself again following the most recent downturn, Beacon continues to play a key role in incubating and supporting businesses across the offshore energy supply chain with flexible tenancies coupled with hands-on business and support from industry professionals.'