by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Medway council is cranking up help for start-up businesses, graduates and the unemployed in a package of measures to counter recession.

It has come up with 10 ideas to be unveiled over the next few months:

1. A work placement scheme to link talented graduates with micro-businesses.

2. Business start-up grants of up to £1,000.

3. Changes to the Partners for Growth (PfG) interest free loan scheme so that applicants for financial help no longer have to have a bank loan in place before they are eligible

4. A Retail Champions scheme to support Medway shops with advice on training and business support. It will be unveiled at the Medway Retail Conference in St George’s Centre, Chatham Maritime, on October 1.

5. "Employ Medway" will help people who have recently lost their job. An advice centre will open in Chatham High Street.

6. Managed workspace: Medway Council has more than 100 business units for rent on three sites, including the newly opened Innovation Centre near Rochester Airport hi-tech businesses.

7. A Transmanche Enterprise Network to help businesses find new markets on the other side of the Channel.

8. An Eco-Advantage Scheme to help local businesses respond to climate change.

9. A business support officer to help creative businesses develop and grow.

10. Medway Apprenticeships to offer work experience to 16 to 24 year olds.

Cllr Jane Chitty, the council’s Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, said: "Combating the recession is high on Medway Council’s agenda and we are committed to doing everything we can to help business growth and job creation at a local level.

"Medway has built a very strong business sector, ranging from engineering and manufacturing to service industries and it is imperative that we build on this very sound foundation.

"These 10 counter-recessionary measures show our commitment as a council to support local residents and businesses."