HELP for businesses in financial difficulty will be a priority in the New Year, according to a new small business group.

And a new Minister for Small Business could be appointed, if the right candidate can be identified. The Small Business Forum was set up earlier this year, following a suggestion by the Economic Development Department, to enable small firms to have direct access to the Island’s government.

Ten small businesses have agreed to sit on the forum, along with representatives from the Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Jersey Business Venture and the Jersey Conciliation and Advisory Service.

James Baker, of recruitment firm Grafters, is the chairman and other members include artisan plumber Colin Russell, IT specialist Mark Loane, from C5 Alliance, James Filleul of Direct Input public relations, Tim Pedley from Easenmyne, Tim Crowley from La Mare Vineyards, Kristina Le Feuvre of aMazin’ Maze, and Anna Davies of Panther Office Products.

• Picture: Andrew Sugden and James Baker. Picture by David Ferguson (00608513)