ORGANISATIONS in the Wee County have come together to create a local business support partnership as part of the response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Clackmannanshire Business Support Partnership will work together to co-ordinate activity in a bid to provide effective support to the local business community.

Welcoming the initiative was council leader Councillor Ellen Forson.

She said: "As the council responds to this crisis it has had to focus on the most essential services, we are delighted to be part of this partnership.

"[It] will not only support our local economy but will allow us to focus in our efforts to process and pay grant claims under the Coronavirus Business Support Fund."

Anthea Coulter, chief officer at Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface has also been at the frontline when it came to co-ordinating the local volunteer effort.

She added: "This is another excellent example of Clackmannanshire coming together to and showing how much more we can do when we work together.

"I'm also really pleased that the importance of supporting our social enterprises has been recognised in this work."

Another important organisation in Clackmannanshire that can support the businesses community is Ceteris, which delivers the local Business Gateway contract.

Managing director Gary Wilson said: "We have over 160 local tenants within our properties whilst, under the Business Gateway contract, we support over 200 new and existing businesses every year.

"Our support results in an additional £120million net income to the local economy per annum and we are determined to help maintain as much of that possible.

"The support on offer aims to save local jobs, businesses and when this is all over, ensure Clackmannanshire has as strong an economy as possible."

Ceteris will be providing weekly updates each Friday, the first one was already out last week.

Visit bit.ly/2R7TdWh to sign up for the updates.

Kevin Deighan, of Clacksfirst Business Improvement District (BID), added: "This is a great initiative that will offer support to the businesses of Clackmannanshire during these difficult times.

"Clacksfirst BID has suspended levy payment for the foreseeable future and, where possible, will offer continued support to our members."