Business advisor Roger Benson is ahead of the game when it comes to winning smart money.

For Mr Benson is celebrating winning more than £2 million for firms in the last three years from the Department of Trade and Industry's Smart awards.

He is an innovation and technology advisor with Business Link North Yorkshire and has clocked up grants worth £2.3 million - helping 46 firms with their expansion plans.

The Smart scheme is designed to promote innovation among small to medium-sized firms. It funds between 30 and 75 per cent of the overall cost of a project.

North Yorkshire Smart scheme manager Bob Burns said: "His success rate in winning Smart awards is exceptional. You know that if he nominates a company for an award it will have a strong chance for consideration."

Roger Benson said: "It is very satisfying to have reached this milestone. There is a great wealth of creativity and invention in this region and much of it does not get the chance to flourish."

For further details contact the Business Link North Yorkshire information centre on 01904 686000.