The business association in a Sussex town is changing its format to give it wider appeal.

In a move to strengthen the voice of local businesses, Haywards Heath Business Association (HHBA) is restructuring to include all local companies.

The move was approved by the majority of HHBA members. In future, all the town's businesses will automatically be members of the HHBA, without subscrip-tion, paying only for events they attend.

Committee member, Graham Glenn, said: "HHBA has built a strong reputation, speaking for local businesses with the town and district councils, as well as county and regional agencies. It is important for all businesses to have the opportunity to be represented and we prefer to spend our resources in lobbying and support rather than on recruitment.

"Under the new system, every business in the town will automatically become a member - unless they specifically request not to be. Our current database now includes almost 600 companies - covering retail and non-retail users as well as some home-based businesses."

HHBA will continue its representational role on all issues affecting business in the town. In previous years, this has included bidding for funding towards CCTV cameras, improved road signage and local-employer activity in education-to-business partnerships.

Its current roles include the Urban Transport Forum, which is looking closely at ideas for local infrastructure improvements and on- and off-street car parking.

The Business Directory will still be produced, and HHBA will organise a full programme of events - for which, in future, there will be a charge or sponsorship sought.

Mid Sussex District Council will be providing grant assistance for HHBA to help with administration costs and the association will continue to act as a channel for the council to consult with businesses, when necessary.

Ruth de Mierre, a spokeswoman for the HHBA, added: "There will be a formal relaunch of the association in the spring and all companies will be contacted shortly.

"I would urge any local business who might 'slip through the net' to contact membership secretary Mike Hill on 01444 416295, if they don't hear from us in the near future."