A new regional partnership aimed at helping small businesses in South West Wales has been launched.

Pembrokeshire County Council, together with Neath Port Talbot, (lead authority) Swansea and Carmarthenshire County Councils, have won a contract to deliver the Welsh Assembly Government's Flexible Support for Business service in their areas.

In Pembrokeshire, the service will be based at the Ecommerce Centre in Pembroke Dock and will provide free business advice and support services to Small Medium Enterprises to help them grow and prosper. 

Clr. John Allen Mirehouse, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said the service would be invaluable in light of the current economic difficulties.

"The county council will be relocating its business support team to work alongside Flexible Support for Business colleagues to provide a co-ordinated local support service for businesses," he said.

"It will provide a comprehensive information and signposting service for all businesses, general business advice and specialist advice in equality, diversity and environmental management for small businesses."

Claire George, business development manager for Pembrokeshire County Council, said: "We are doing our best to ensure that all the business support providers in Pembrokeshire work closely together to support local businesses and we would encourage any business looking for support to contact the team on 01646 682184 for help and guidance."

For more information on the FS4B service, ring 01646 682184.