Businesses that have more than a fifth of their turnover generated by Rover are to be given a special support package.

Companies in Coventry and Warwickshire that qualify for the help, announced by Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers, are to be identified by business experts at the Chamber.

Individually-tailored packages will be put together to help each company. The measures were announced as firms in the area affected by the Rover sale met to discuss their future.

Project leader Eddie Marston said that a third of the 100 delegates at the emergency conference said they would meet the new criteria for help.

He said:

“The tailored packages will include further help to create new business plans and marketing strategies and will be backed up with capital investment grants for those companies that fulfil the relevant criteria.

“One third of delegates who filled in an evaluation form at last night’s meeting declared that they do indeed meet the criteria, whilst over half are affected, but not to the same degree.

“For those who do not meet the threshold there are strong business support teams already in place to help.”

Issues raised by firms at the two-hour sessions included concerns that employers’ views should be given greater representation at a sub-regional forum.

There was also discussion about the creation of a brokerage service to allow skilled workers to transfer jobs and create new skills.

Chamber president Isabella Moore said:

“Companies need to watch this space and ensure they get involved in order to prepare for the future.

“Chamber support is available now through a variety of sources and more is on its way.”

A special internet forum is being developed at the Chamber’s web site to allow those affected by Rover’s sale to be kept up-to-date with developments.