ENTREPRENEUR and BB2's Dragons' Den panellist Peter Jones is also now featured on a revamped website concerned with business in the Wycombe district.

The chairman and CEO of Phones International Group based at Globe Park, Marlow, provided the information on his group following a visit from consultant Mark Harris, who is working with the business development team at Wycombe District Council to focus on business development and inward investment.

The team aims to foster closer ties with the business community, as well as, in the longer term, attract new enterprise to the district.

As part of that process the business pages of the district council's website has been updated to include relevant information such as key facts, business development and regeneration and Who Else Thinks Wycombe is a Great Place to do Business.

Peter Jones said he was pleased that the council had taken the trouble to get in touch with him to discuss a wide variety of matters.

Phones International's is one of more than 50 visits to companies in the area and a similar number are planned over the next few months.

Mark said: "I'm really encouraged by the positive attitude of the majority of businesses visited which all seem very happy with the proactive work of the council.

"We have had wideranging discussions varying from business to business such as parking restrictions near their buildings, and how to find their way through the council hierachy.

"I think the key is that the council is creating the environment where businesses can raise matters that are important to them on a face-to-face basis rather than what is important to the council."

Cllr Peter Cartwright, the district council's cabinet member for transport and employment, who is responsible for business development, said: "Whilst the area is thriving in terms of business, we want to ensure this economic buoyancy continues and that means being active in seeking out continued investment for our area.

"The aim is to prompt firms to chose Wycombe District over other similar areas of the South East."

Mark and his team is now preparing a welcome pack to give to new businesses coming into the area.

According to the council's figures, the number of businesses in the Wycombe District is between 6,000 and 6,500 and on the increase.

The latest Economic Trends in Wycombe District showed that the number of unemployed and claiming benefit in 2004 was 1.8 per cent of the working population with the economic base of the district centred on High Wycombe and Marlow.

In 2003, 0.02 per cent of the total land area of the district was prevously developed land that is unused or may be available for redevelopment for employment uses.

Any company wanting to meet with the business development team can contact Mark Harris on 01494 421124