A scheme promoting greater involvement between businesses and the community is being extended.

The Enterprise Agency has joined forces with The Business Community Partnership to provide support to small and medium-sized firms through an initiative which awards a kite mark-type standard.

Following a successful two-year pilot in Brighton and Hove, funded by the Home Office, the scheme is being thrown open.

Community Mark consultant Natalie Matos said there were a number of businesses which would like to or already supported voluntary activities and the initiative aimed to provide a structure and recognition.

She said: "A well-managed programme can help with staff training and development, assist with employee motivation, generate positive publicity and enhance customer loyalty.

"Many companies need help in identifying the best way of incorporating a community programme, so we have teamed up with The Enterprise Agency and the Small Business Service. We can now offer up to five hours' consultation."

Brighton and Hove is pioneering the scheme which, if successful, will be extended later this year.

The city was selected to pilot the project because it is known for being socially-aware and inclusive.

More than a dozen companies, with staff numbers from five to 250, have already signed up.

They include Family Assurance Friendly Society, Victoria Real, Lime Marketing, the Brighton Marina Company, Ecosys and Zelgrain.

Annalisa Johnson, managing director at Lime Marketing, was keen to encourage other small businesses to go for the Community Mark.

She said: "Over the past few years, we have consistently lent support to a range of voluntary and community groups on an ad-hoc basis.

"Because we are a small agency, we have always been very selective about our commitment to these projects, so that the time we do give provides maximum benefit. By becoming part of the mark scheme, we will be able to develop our strategic approach."

Ms Matos said research showed 86 per cent of consumers had a more positive image of a company they saw doing something to make the world a better place, regardless of the specific charity or cause being addressed.

Contact the Enterprise Agency on 01273 666800.