A man who has helped to build one of Europe's most dynamic economies is passing his skills on to businesses in Sussex.

Jim Ridgway, who takes over as chief executive of the Eastbourne-based enterprise agency, Edeal, previously led a similar organisation in Ireland.

When he started, the Irish economy was in the doldrums and one of its biggest exports was skilled people.

When he returned to the UK, it had emerged as one of Europe's strongest economies and the country was a net importer of people.

He went to Ireland after working on a housing project for young Irish people in London.

Mr Ridgway said: "The opportunity arose for me to go to Ireland to work in public relations for a chamber of commerce. From that job came the opportunity to be involved in the enterprise agency in County Offaly.

"The concept was very new to Ireland at that time. Its objectives were to kick-start the economy, create jobs and attract business.

"At the agency, we were helping local entrepreneurs to get started - basically what Edeal does here in Sussex."

Mr Ridgway set up an enterprise hub to incubate new, small firms. One of the first of its kind, it became a template for hubs throughout Ireland.

He said: "It was a learning process for us and for the government. There was not much money around at that time so the whole thing was set up and run on a shoestring but it was successful."

The Irish economy had been agriculture-based but, as the boom started, it changed into a diverse economy, attracting both investment and highly-qualified people.

Now the English often move to Ireland to better themselves.

Mr Ridgway, who takes over at Edeal from George Collier, said: "There are fundamental differences between Irish and English people but also a commonality in the proportion of people with entrepreneurial aspirations.

People believe they will be happier and have more job satisfaction working for themselves.

"They know they will have to work hard, have to make difficult decisions and learn new skills.

"That is where Edeal comes in.

"The essential part of our job is to help people make the right decisions.

"In East Sussex, there is clearly an entrepreneurial spark. There are some very bright and very ambitious people who are keen to learn in order to get it right the first time.

"They see the benefits of training and understand the importance of being prepared.

A few years ago, people would just muddle through."

The Sussex economy was strong but people were concerned about runaway house prices.

It was not preventing people from starting, expanding or improving their businesses.

Mr Ridgway said: "Our core businesses is to provide information, advice and guidance to anyone who asks for it anywhere in East Sussex, free at the point of delivery.

"As a result of that service, we can identify for clients their particular needs in training business support and counselling.

"We have more than 60 associates, many business mentors and counsellors all working in the local economy.

"If we had one, our motto would be: 'If we don't know the answer to a business question, we know somebody who does'.

"From accountancy to worm farming, we can help."

Mr Ridgway said Mr Collier built the Edeal agency into a leading business advice and training company.

He said: "With George at its head, it has become one of the most successful in the country."