Traders' groups are being encouraged to work more closely together through a £140,000 link-up project.

Business associations across Brighton and Hove will be given advice about the best ways to improve their areas by the Brighton City Centre Business Forum.

The latest phase of the two-year project, backed by a European grant, was approved last week.

Traders associations will meet more regularly and have access to shared information about contacts, lobbying ideas and best practice.

Susie Campbell, of consultants MMP Marketing, has been appointed to manage the group initiative.

She said: "We want to get businesses talking to the council and other authorities at the right times, at the right places and through the right channels. More often than not, that doesn't happen."

The project will have its own web site and possibly a resource centre at a later date.

Roland Wallis, chairman of the Kemp Town Village Business Association, said: "This will really help us all communicate better.

"It's not a lobbying group but will help each association lobby more effectively should they wish to."