Message from Ian Austin, Regional Minister for the West Midlands

I WANT to congratulate The Sentinel and the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership on producing this supplement to show the real help being provided to get businesses and families through the recession.

This downturn started in America, it's affecting every country around the world but it's having a real impact here in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.

Businesses are under real pressure and families are being hit as jobs are lost and what they need is a Government that is on their side providing real help to get them back into work as quickly as possible.

I have been really impressed by the work being undertaken by organisations and companies in North Staffordshire. And I have been very encouraged to hear the many success stories – of people who have found jobs and the businesses who have continued to thrive – despite the challenging economic times. We will not give up on people and will do everything we can to make sure that if you become unemployed there is help available to get back to work as quickly as possible.

Jobcentre Plus can now offer immediate support for people from day one of unemployment, and extra help for jobseekers who have been unemployed for six months or more. There is also information on training and education that can be accessed through Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

It is harder financially for households in this climate but there is real help available for people. This supplement will signpost you to how to access this, including help with housing through Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Housing Advice Scheme and debt advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau.

There is also advice and guidance for companies. Business Link West Midlands operates an information service offering free independent advice on help with finance and cashflow, as well managing efficiency and costs. Information on the package of support for training is available from the Learning and Skills Council's Train To Gain, to help small and medium-sized employers address their skills needs.

We're getting all the local organisations like the councils and hospitals, college and universities to work together to boost employment and skills for local people.

All the organisations featured in this Beat The Credit Crunch supplement share the same strong commitment: working to help and support businesses, individuals and communities during the economic downturn. But also to help them plan, so that we can build a stronger economy, create jobs and boost prosperity in the future. And we've increased investment in local projects like the University Quarter – not just to help regenerate the area, but to ensure we've got the skills we'll need to make the most of the opportunities when the economy recovers.