A FREE telephone advice line for struggling small businesses has reported a record number of calls.

The Business Debtline, which helps firms in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa, launched last summer.

It initially received 300 calls a month, a figure which has doubled.

Business Debtline co-ordinator Tessa Farrell said: "We are both encouraged and worried at the demand by small businesses for our free service.

"It's not just new firms that are calling for help but well-established businesses which have been trading for several years."

Business Debtline is predicting a rising tide in demand for its service.

Tessa added: "People call us with a variety of problems.

"Initially they may lay the problem for what has happened at the door of a particular creditor, for example a bank, but often the underlying problem is something far deeper rooted, such as decreasing profitability.

"It often takes a call to us to help the company owner realise what the problem is.

"We can then discuss a plan of action."

If you would like to talk to an experienced debt counsellor call Birmingham-based Business Debtline on 0800 197 6026 - Monday to Friday during normal office hours.