TODAY the Lancashire Telegraph launches a major campaign to help businesses fight back against the recession.

New figures reveal that almost 4,000 East Lancashire businesses are staring into the financial abyss at a time of unprecedented economic hardship.

That’s why, in association with Business Link Northwest, we are starting the Supporting Our Businesses campaign to provide information, help and practical support over coming months.

According to Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency which manages Business Link Northwest, people are aware of the service but not enough firms are using it despite being in need of help and advice.

The campaign comes as figures from Business Link Northwest show that 14per cent of East Lancashire companies – 3,977 – are at maximum risk of failure.

With more than 28,000 firms across East Lancashire, The Lancashire Telegraph and Business Link Northwest are looking to give them the help they need to ride out the recession.

Supporting Our Businesses also aims to help safeguard jobs in the area.

Jobs are most at risk in small businesses with fewer than ten employees.

As well as regular features and news stories, the campaign also features a series of events and initiatives such as:

  • A series of new drop-in clinics with Business Link experts on hand to help businesses with their issues.
  • A number of help workshops to run across they year with short, interactive sessions providing practical advice and help on key topics.
  • The creation of a team of East Lancashire dragons - top business people who will offer their expertise at the workshops. They will bolster the already strong support provided by Business Link's business brokers.
  • A ‘We're Backing Business’ breakfast for business people to come together to discuss their problems.
  • ‘Beat the crunch’ advice to run throughout the year in the Lancashire Telegraph and on a new section on its website.

Lancashire Telegraph editor Kevin Young said: “The Lancashire Telegraph is at the heart of the local community so it is appropriate we play a leading role in helping firms tackle problems brought on by the recession.

“The East Lancashire business community takes huge pride in its efforts and endeavours, but the current economic climate means that times are tough for even the best firms.

“The campaign will provide essential advice and information for local firms and enable them to be stronger than ever when the recession eventually subsides.”

Business Link research shows that Blackburn with Darwen has the highest number of businesses at maximum risk – 15 per cent (1,198) of its 7,950 businesses.

This is closely followed by Burnley which has 14p er cent (623) of its 4,368 businesses at risk; Rossendale also has 14 per cent (560) of its 3,741 firms at risk.

Hyndburn and Pendle both have 13 per cent at risk. This means that 549 of Hyndburn’s 3,951 firms and 597 of Pendle’s 4,367 companies are in danger. Ribble Valley sees 11per cent (450) of its 3,975 businesses at maximum risk of failure.

The figures have been compiled by global credit management company Experian and have been built into an innovative Business Performance Index developed by the Business Link data analysis team.

‘Maximum risk’ businesses are those with accounts showing a loss, with County Court Judgements against them or at serious risk of going under.

Peter Watson, managing director of Business Link Northwest, said: “Tough times require direct action and we are pleased to be partnering with the Lancashire Telegraph to deliver help to businesses in East Lancashire.

“The newspaper, with its website, is a powerful voice in the region and Business Link is the gateway to a wide range of support and help.”