A BUSINESS support group has been inundated with calls since helping launch the Lancashire Telegraph’s We’re Backing Business campaign last week.

Bosses from Business Link have said the campaign has already made a difference with local firms starting to make the most of the help that is available to them.

Figures have shown that almost 4,000 East Lancashire businesses are staring into the financial abyss because of unprecedented economic hardship.

The Lancashire Telegraph’s campaign aims to provide information, help and practical support to firms over the coming months.

Khalid Saifullah, Business Link Northwest’s relationship manager for Lancashire said that the reaction to the campaign had been good.

“It is still early days but the response I have had so far has been very positive,” he said. “Our partner organisations have welcomed the campaign and feel that it is exactly what the business community in East Lancashire needs.

“They have told me they think the partnership approach from Business Link and the Lancashire Telegraph has given the campaign weight and the businesses I have spoken to have also been very positive.”

Rob McGuinness, a growth companies broker for Business Link Northwest, said the campaign would show firms that the help was there for them.

He said: “By partnering with the Lancashire Telegraph, the visibility of our service has been increased and businesses in the area are already commenting on the campaign.

“I think businesses are taking notice and as the campaign moves forward we will be able to reach more and more companies and direct support to where it is most needed.”

Mr Saifullah added: “I think local businesses really appreciate the campaign and what we are aiming to do, which is help companies through the economic downturn in any way we can.

“As the campaign gathers momentum it will improve businesses’ understanding of the Business Link Service and I think that in turn will help increase take up.”