Latest figures form the treasury show that the sub region has been hit hard by the economic downturn with business confidence at a low ebb.

Housing market figures however give a glimmer of hope that all is not doom and gloom and many experts maintain that businesses who have been decreasing their stock levels in anticipation of a major slow down will need to start reordering shortly and the fall in the value of the pound has helped exporters and businesses competing with overseas suppliers.

Susie Howarth, senior loans officer at CWRT, said recently "we have seen from the number of applications we have received recently how many businesses are seeking to expand or consoldate their businesses at present - the banks reluctance to lend is certainly affecting cash flow of small business regionally"

CWRT works closely with local business support organisations such as business link and is continuing to lend to viable enterprises.