Businesses in South Downs are set to benefit from €1m (£0.8m, $1.37m) of European Union funding allocated to help build and develop sustainable tourism and business partnerships in the region.

The money is part of a regional project called Collabor8, which has accessed funds from the EU's Interreg 4B programmed, designed to support business partnerships across Northwest Europe. The South Downs Joint Committee (SDJC), a partner in the project, hopes the funding will encourage local businesses to work towards increasing tourism levels.

Alison Tingley, from the SDJC, said: "The current economic climate is hitting local tourism and business hard. It’s vital to maximise profits and streamline costs, while retaining the unique attractions of South Downs local produce, surroundings and services. "The Collabor8 funding enables us to get people together to share best practice and new technology. But, it’s no ‘talking shop’. The project will help turn ideas into actions by paying for expert help and guidance. This will enable local businesses to be more resilient during the credit squeeze and ready for a bright future."

Other project partners include Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and the West Country Rivers Trust, as well as others from Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands. Nick Head, chair of the Sussex Tourism Partnership, added: "In Sussex we are fortunate to enjoy the South Downs as a leisure resource, which gives character and identity to our area. For our visitors, the wonderful countryside, villages and market towns are ideal places to stay, shop and explore.

"Collabor8 will encourage businesses to think about using local produce, to serve a Sussex Breakfast for example, and use public transport rather than cars, so reducing their carbon footprint not their profit margin. We are interested in all sorts of innovative ideas for building high-quality, sustainable businesses in this area." For details: [email protected]