RECESSION-hit businesses in the Cotswolds have given a cautious welcome to an initiative to help them recover.

Cotswold District Council has launched Business Matters, a quarterly newsletter informing traders about the support it can offer across a spectrum of issues.

But Cirencester Chamber of Commerce vice-president Jonathan Davies said it was long overdue and it was time businesses came in from the cold.

"It's a first step and the district council is to be congratulated but it's not the complete answer," he said.

"Business - whether retail, manufacturing or the service industry - is vital to the Cotswolds and, historically, the council hasn't been as supportive or consultative as it should have been."

Mr Davies said the newsletter followed a breakthrough in December, when members of the Cirencester Chamber and the Federation of Small Businesses made their voice heard.

"We had a meeting with other business groups around the district, including Stow and Bourton, and all thought the district council should be doing more," he said.

"In December it was great to have a full and frank discussion with district council leader Lynden Stowe and chief executive David Neudegg.

"There was no expectation they could immediately throw loads of money at things but we were really after the recognition that business is an integral part of Cotswolds life.

"We now hope to meet two or three times a year and the newsletter is another positive move."

District council opposition Lib-Dems also welcomed the publication.

Last November, their appeal for a dedicated economic development officer was thrown out.

Councillor Stowe said the council was already working with other organisations such as Gloucestershire First. Lib-Dem leader Paul Hodgkinson said: "The newsletter is a good move and a step in the right direction.

"I'm glad the Cabinet has listened to the Lib Dem campaign to get the council to do much more to help people in the current difficult economy."

The publication's first edition highlights the possibility of obtaining more benefit payments for workers on reduced salaries.

Other features include an offer to help firms save on running costs by reducing their carbon footprint, details of a new business start-up, important information about the latest safety regulations, dates of key Council meetings, and news about events sponsored by Business Link.

Councillor Stowe said: "The recession may now be over officially, but many Cotswolds businesses are still facing the toughest trading conditions for a generation.

"We've been working closely with a number of businesses across the region to help them through this difficult time, and this newsletter is another means of ensuring that as many firms as possible are aware of the support we can provide."

The newsletter is available at www.cotswold.gov.uk/go/BusinessMatters.

Feedback on the newsletter, or news for future publications, should be sent to businessmatters@cotswold.gov.uk.