BUSINESSES hunting for new premises in North Yorkshire are soon to enjoy the benefits of the most comprehensive industrial and commercial property database the region has seen.

The new database, known as Evolutive, is web-based and managed by york-england.com, North Yorkshire's official inward investment agency.

The database took more than a year to design and will vastly improve information available on business premises in the region.

Officially launched in March 2005, Evolutive is now operational for the York and Selby areas, and all local authorities in North Yorkshire are soon set to join.

The database, accessible through either york-england.com or participating local authorities, provides details about vacant properties for sale or lease.

Searches, which are free, can be carried out by area, property type (office, industrial or warehouse), size or a combination of all three criteria. The database then provides a list of all suitable premises.

Denise Dodd, operations director at york-england.com, said: "This is the first time a comprehensive commercial property database has been developed for the whole of North Yorkshire and it will certainly help bolster inward investment in the region."

Commercial property agents across the North Yorkshire region have promised to help keep the database up to date by submitting details of available land or premises to the local authorities as the come onto the market.

Councils will then update the database as soon as new properties become available.

Jamie Weldon, head of the commercial department of Savills in York, said: "We have a great relationship with york-england.com and are committed to help make sure the new database contains the very latest information."

The database will also help local authorities develop a clear and accurate picture of the commercial property market in their area and identify demands for future land allocations.

Updated: 11:39 Tuesday, May 03, 2005