CONCERNS that small businesses are receiving insufficient support are being addressed on Teesside, according to the chairman of a new group.

Rob Shotton, chairman of the Tees Valley Small Business Services, gave the assurance last night in response to a report by the Federation of Small Businesses.

The report revealed that many members in the North-East were concerned advice services should have a better understanding of the needs of small businesses.

Mr Shotton said this philosophy was at the heart of the Tees Valley group, which will start in April.

He said: "In many respects, the findings of the Federation of Small Businesses are very similar to the views we received from local companies during our consultation.

"I believe that when it looks at what we are intending to deliver for example, in helping start-ups and very small companies, the federation will recognise that we are meeting exactly the kind of concerns highlighted in its survey.