FAMILY-owned and run businesses that are facing challenging times could come under the spotlight in a new BBC documentary series.

The BBC's business unit is looking for family firms in Worcestershire and Herefordshire that have experienced ups and downs, to feature in the new BBC2 series.

The series will feature a successful and highly-regarded businessman taking on the role of guru to each company, advising them how to improve performance and turnover and supporting them through the changes.

"We are looking for companies that reflect many of the problems British businesses are facing in the present climate," said Becky Allen, assistant producer.

"This could range from an increase in competition, the difficulty of staying afloat in an ever-changing market place, financial difficulties or perhaps issues surrounding succession.

"We wish to find families who are passionate about improving their business and we aim to follow their progression as they turn their company into a more successful venture under the guiding hand of our guru."

The series will be in production for a year and is due for broadcast in the summer of 2004.

Family members

Ms Allen said firms should employ 30 or more people and have a turnover or at least £1m, with family members working together.

Firms should come from a "visually interesting" sector, such as food, textiles, retailing or manufacturing, and should be experiencing difficulties - to the point the company could fail if the problems are not addressed.

For more information firms can call, in confidence, the BBC business unit on 020 8752 5577 or e-mail becky.allen@bbc.co.uk