Help at hand for businesses suffering from "the crunch"

East Sussex County Council has teamed up with Business Link Sussex to develop an intensive business assistance programme aimed at supporting up to 300 companies.

The County Council has allocated 100,000 to support the programme.

Announcing the package of support this week, council leader Cllr Peter Jones said: "The current turmoil in the financial markets that we are seeing and hearing on a daily basis will affect the country as a whole and East Sussex will not be immune from the effects.

"Our businesses need all the help they can get to help them survive - now and in the future - and that's why we've joined with Business Link Sussex to provide this additional help."

The package will consist of three key elements:

'¢ A tailored face-to-face review of the business, and a follow-up action plan based on the specific needs of each business

'¢ Ongoing support by telephone

'¢ Assistance in finding any further specialist help needed

Fiona Malcolm of Business Link Sussex said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with East Sussex County Council.

"During these difficult economic times it's more important than ever to evaluate the health of a business. Healthy businesses are more likely to survive challenging times. Our business advisers have a specialist understanding of all areas of running a small firm and offer tailored practical advice as well as personal support."

The package of support is free for any business based in East Sussex that employs up to 250 people. For more information and to book a review call Business Link Sussex on 0845 600 9 006.