RYEDALE MP John Greenway has spoken of the importance of a new help and advice service designed to help fledgling businesses to fly.

Mr Greenway, who is opposition spokesman for Culture, Media and Sport, was the guest speaker at a launch event held in Helmsley for North Yorkshire Moors and Coast Business Advice Centre (NYMAC).

The new help and advice service will be based in Scarborough Business Centre in Castle Road, Scarborough, and will cover northern Ryedale and the east coast. Mr Greenway said: "The rural areas of North Yorkshire - including Ryedale, have been heavily hit by foot and mouth, which has badly affected both farming and tourism.

"Against this backdrop, it is essential that any service that encourages new enterprise, diversification and job-creating entrepreneurial activity, is readily available to people who need that little bit of help that will enable their fledgling ventures to fly."

NYMAC, a non-profit making company founded by Ryedale District Council and Scarborough Borough Council, has been formed to help pre-start, start-up and young businesses.

For further information, phone NYMAC on 0845 273 3045.

Updated: 09:00 Tuesday, March 18, 2003