A new guide to help small businesses cope with the burden of red tape has been launched by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt unveiled the "No Nonsense" guide, which has been designed to help growing enterprises save time and money while making sure they understand legislation.

It has been created for prospective entrepreneurs and those who have recently started up and covers all types of red tape including health and safety and employee legislation.

Sussex Enterprise will be stocking copies.

Chief executive Mark Froud said it was "the kind of book companies will want to keep on their bookshelves and it contains some very good, easy-to-follow advice".

Government red tape continued to be a major problem for many businesses.

Mr Froud said: "The Government has the political will to get rid of red tape but the problem is the thousands of civil servants who have a vested interest in protecting themselves. They can always find a reason to keep red tape in place."

Malcom Bradshaw, managing director of Hailsham-based Shep Plastics, called on the Government to reduce the red-tape burden.

He said: "We've been in business 29 years today and it's the worse it has ever been.

"In one week I filled in four forms, which took four hours. I was told I had no alternative but to fill them in.

"We've had the National Insurance hike, the introduction of employees' rights to flexible working, the waste directive and the climate change levy.

"It's red tape on top of more red tape and we're responsible for everything - it makes you wonder if there's any point staying in business."

He said he was writing to Ms Hewitt, adding: "I want her to do away with red tape and listen to the people who matter - the people who want to run businesses in this country rather than move them abroad."

Wednesday April 2 2003