Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) yesterday formally launched a campaign to assist businesses to navigate their way through the current economic downturn, by way of the telephone.

HIGHLANDS and Islands Enterprise (HIE) yesterday formally launched a campaign to assist businesses to navigate their way through the current economic downturn, by way of the telephone.

The agency has set up a dedicated advice line with business experts on 08000 884 884 offering free, tailored advice to businesses of any size and in any sector.

Callers can also find contact details of other agencies such as HM Revenue & Customs or Scottish Development International which may be able to assist them with particular issues, or go on to book a free one-to-one consultation with a business adviser.

"We want everyone that could benefit from this service to be aware of it," said Carroll Buxton, one of HIE's regional directors. "We will be running advertisements in local newspapers and on local radio during the next few weeks and will be sending details of this service direct to 17,000 businesses in our area. We also have a podcast on our website homepage which tells people a little of what they can expect from our advice line.

"This is a time when businesses need to be taking a strong hold of their plans, ensuring that they have a strategy fit for current trading conditions and that they are pursuing every viable opportunity. HIE can help with this, and I would urge anyone who thinks their business could benefit from advice at this time, to get in touch with us."

The advice line is available from 8am until 6pm on weekdays and from 9am until 1pm on Saturday mornings. It is free to call from BT landlines but, as usual, mobile phone users may be charged by their service providers.