Falkirk For Business is the revamped FEAT (Falkirk Enterprise Action Trust), which has also taken on the services provided by Falkirk Business Panel.

As well as giving existing businesses a valuable support framework, it will help new entrepreneurs get off the ground to turn their ambitious plans into success stories.

Newly appointed chief executive is Laurence Barrett, who arrived at the Newhouse Business Park offices in Grangemouth last month, after a lifetime working in the private sector.

Originally from Beckenham in Kent, he started off in the computer business and moved north to Fife to work with Velux windows in 1995.

A downturn in the construction market saw business with Velux slowing down and Laurence (54) decided to look for other opportunities.

He said: "I came across FEAT and was really interested in what they
were trying to do. It looks exciting, as well as challenging, and I'm delighted to be appointed chief executive.

"I've only been here two weeks but already I'm very much aware that there is a hard-working team dedicated to the area and businesses.

''Now we are looking at how we are going to move it forward to make it even better with all the challenges presented by looking after small and large businesses."

Laurence is convinced one of the most exciting areas of working with Falkirk For Business will be helping the budding entrepreneurs get their businesses started.

He added: "More and more people are finding themselves out of a job or are looking to branch out on their own and we will be doing all we can to help them realise their dreams by giving them as much support as possible."

Married and living in Markinch, Fife, Laurence said one of the biggest differences he will have to face is working with a smaller team rather than having a huge conglomerate behind him.

He said: "FEAT has a good reputation and we don't want to lose any of that. We want to listen to the business community and, where we can, give the help and support they want. We are rebranding and modernising to take the organisation into the 21st century."

The chief executive believes the credit crunch is the biggest challenge facing businesses at the moment, but he and his team have to help firms be ready to move forward when the 'green shoots' of recovery begin to show.

He added: "The support we get from BP and Falkirk Council is extremely positive. Now we have to continue delivering a service. My advice to businesses would be hang on in there and don't panic but be ready to move forward when the markets pick up."

Falkirk For Business will be officially launched on September 9 but in the meantime, for further information and contact details, visit www.falkirkfor business.org.