BUSINESS is blooming for Sedgefield Borough Business Forum after a flower firm became its 1,000th member.

Open All Flowers is run by Caroline Maher, who started her business with help from the Business Link County Durham enterprise grant scheme.

She said membership would help raise the profile of her business.

The forum was developed by Sedgefield Borough Business Service (SBBS) and a steering group of 22 business members. The grant scheme is administered through SBBS's small firms team. Forum initiatives include company events, a dedicated website and the compilation of a borough business directory.

The latest issue of the business directory, due out next month, features more than 1,000 manufacturing, service and retail businesses. This year it includes an additional feature, the town centre and retail supplement.

Copies of the directory can be obtained from SBBS on (01325) 307270 or online via the Forum's website at www.sedgefieldbusinessforum.org.uk