David Gold, the Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion, is the new vice-president of the Small Business Bureau.

The organisation which represents the interests of small and medium-sized firms across the UK made the appointment in recognition of Mr Gold's work in supporting the small business community.

The SBB, which was founded in 1976, does not hold a political affiliation and is a recognised voice of small business.

It has worked hard to promote the role of women in business and is committed to encouraging entrepreneurs from visible minorities to succeed in business.

Mr Gold said: "This is a tremendous honour and I am very flattered.

"My family have been involved in a variety of small businesses and my grandparents owned a grocery in Kemp Town, so I'm no stranger to the ups and downs of running a small business.

"I am especially pleased to be involved with the SME sector at a time when businesses, large and small, are facing considerable challenges.

"I am deeply concerned with the endless red tape which strangles small businesses and stunts their growth.

"I am also aware that constant new directives and regulations add greatly to the costs businesses have to cover, leading to a lack of competitiveness and reduced efficiency."