A web site has been launched to help Brighton and Hove's small business associations keep up with the latest news and in touch with their members.

Business in Regeneration (BIR), which has been funded by the Single Regeneration Budget to support the small business community, has launched the site to engage companies in regeneration issues.

Tony Mernagh, city centre manager and director of BIR, said: "Brighton and Hove has a lot of small businesses. About 72 per cent of businesses employ fewer than five people and there aren't many big businesses.

"There are also lots of small business associations but it's very difficult for them to achieve everything they want because they're run by volunteers and have limited funding.

"One of the biggest issues is many of them don't have any presence on the internet."

The site will provide free web space to associations. Visitors to the site will be able to see what associations are active and which suits their needs.

The site has a news archive and a list of "opt-in" email alerts to keep businesses in the loop.

Topics include the development of local business facilities, traffic management, planning issues and changes in legislation.

Mr Mernagh said: "About 90 per cent of the emails I get are rubbish but this system will ensure people only get emails they're interested in."

He said the site was there to help users make informed decisions, adding: "The volunteers often don't have the time to wade through the vast amount of information. We do so we can make sure they get quick access to the right information."

The issues small businesses were most interested in included security and safety, transport and graffiti.

Mr Mernagh said: "A good example is the news about the Croydon Tramlink running out of money.

"There's been a great clamour to get a similar system here - it's been described as a panacea for our transport problems - so we've posted the news and the impact analysis report about Croydon's experiences.

"It's exactly what people need and, if they've expressed an interest in transport issues, they will have been emailed to let them know."

The site would also help businesses "unravel the complexities of engaging with organisations such as the police and the council".

www.brightonbusiness.co.uk