TO HELP businesses get through the foot and mouth crisis, West Devon Business Information Point (BIP) at Sticklepath has obtained financial support from the South West Regional Development Agency to provide information and one-to-one counselling for businesses in West Devon.

Helping to prepare business plans and cash flows for banks, advising on employment issues, assisting business owners with strategies for survival and planning for the future are some of the things that BIP is offering.

All local branches of the major banks are supportive of the scheme and where appropriate will direct customers affected by foot and mouth to BIP for impartial advice and assistance.

'All our help is given free of charge,' said Stewart Horne, BIP manager. 'Most of our counsellors and advisors have experience of running a small business

'We will act efficiently and appropriately to the needs of each business, recognising that all of them have difficult requirements. We will call in the most appropriate person for the job and will help the business to take the most suitable course of action — whether that means going forward positively, maintaining the status quo or, in some cases, taking the difficult decision to cease trading.

Get in touch with BIP by calling 0800 592872.