David, also chairman of the Central Lancashire Business Club said: "The government is saying all the right things in terms of helping small businesses survive the current economic downturn but it's taking too long to convert words into actions.

I've been in business for five years and I think the key to surviving and prospering is being adaptable.

You can't pigeon hole your business otherwise you could miss out on many opportunities. Never be afraid to change.

As any small business will tell you, you have to be an optimist. If you're not then your business will fail. It is important to develop a high profile for yourself and your business, people need to know that you exist.

It is important to attend various business networking organisations so that you gradually establish your own identity in a competitive world.
These organisations are also an excellent source of support that many small business need.

Obviously I speak to members of the Central Lancashire Business Club and business contacts and the majority of people I talk to are confident of surviving the current situation.

In times like this I think it's important you don't cut back on your marketing. Firms that sit back and do nothing will suffer.

It is also important at times like the present to continue to train yourself and your employees in order to maximise business skills.

Eventually the economic situation will improve and it is important to ensure that your business has the skills to take advantage of the upturn when it arrives.

Inspire also offers a business review service, in other words providing the 'outside pair of eyes' that inevitably sees what those involved day to day can easily miss. Often I am able to suggest minor changes to the way the organisation operates which produces significant results.

One thing that does affect small businesses is late payments.

Fortunately I've never had a problem with payment delays because of the relationships I've built up with my clients.

Touch wood, that will remain the case but I know other small businesses have not been so fortunate.

In the case of Inspire Business Training we're enjoying a really busy January but you often do not know what next month and the month after holds for you when you're a small business.

Running a small business is enjoyable and rewarding providing you are prepared to put in the necessary effort."