A WOOLSTON entrepreneur is helping business in the north west increase their sales by getting the most out of the internet.

Tim Roberts, managing director of I-COM International, is enabling dozens of companies to boost their profits by providing them with powerful websites.

I-COM, which has offices in Manchester and Wirral, has helped some businesses in the north west achieve sales increases of more than £15,000 a month.

Tim, aged 42, a former senior BT executive, only set up I-COM at the end of last year, but the company is already on course to exceed its first year turnover forecast of £300,000.

Businesses benefiting from I-COM's work include specialists in pensions, double-glazing, dentures, mobile phones and office furniture.

Dad of two Tim and I-COM director Ravi Bhalla have combined to offer the sales and IT experience to deliver powerful; sites for companies, specialising in e-commerce sites.

I-COM's internet marketing skills include having the ability to get a website on the first page of popular search engines such as Google and Yahoo, otherwise known as Search Engine Optimisation.