People who want to start a business or grow an existing company can benefit from a new service from East Sussex County Council.

Businesses in the county can now access a specialist Business Information Service, launched by the council’s Library and Information Service, working in partnership with West Sussex County Council.

Using business databases which are updated daily, printed resources and desk research, the service provides a fast, reliable, competitive and confidential business service.

Cllr Chris Dowling, East Sussex County Council lead member for community services, said: “A thriving business sector is vital to the economic wellbeing of the county and in the current economic climate, businesses need all the help they can get to grow and develop.

“Starting a new enterprise can be a daunting prospect for people but by using this new service they, and existing businesses, can tap into the wealth of expertise and extensive resources on offer to help them grow and flourish.”

For people planning to start a business, the service offers information about funding and the latest market research profiles, which give analysis and advice on market trends and conditions.

Also on offer is a range of support for the different aspects of running a business including individualised research and online resources, plus recommended business books from local libraries.

The service can also provide detailed mailing lists for sales leads who could be potential customers.

The initial 30 minutes of research is provided free of charge, while there are charges for some reports, mailing lists and further research time.

For businesses looking for meeting space there are rooms available to hire in libraries across East Sussex with capacity to seat from two to 40 people. Digital projection facilities and free Wi-Fi access are available at selected sites.

More information is available by calling 01424 724620 or emailing library.enquiries@eastsussex.gov.uk