I AM a huge supporter of the Exeter Bites Back campaign and proud to be an ambassador.

I have first-hand experience of the dynamic and progressive businesses we have, not just in Exeter, but across the South West — businesses that are in a fantastic position to adapt and thrive throughout this time of economic uncertainty.

I have this experience, not only because of the many businesses I see every week through my work in connecting them with public sector contracts, but also because my own company Ways2Win is a perfect example of a start-up going from strength to strength in the middle of the recession.

Richard Branson was quoted as saying: "Fortunes are made out of recessions. A lot of entrepreneurs get going in the economic depths because the barriers to entry are lower."

What good news for Exeter, I say. The region is already a hotbed of entrepreneurial talent.

I have seen in my own work in Exeter just how much good news is out there. My focus is on new business, supporting organisations in their drive to win contracts, and already I have connected some excellent organisations to public sector work.

Part of the reason they are winning is because of the expertise of Ways2 Win, but the other, critical reason is the people take a flexible, optimistic and service-driven approach to winning the contracts .

Exeter Bites Back is a rallying call for local businesses to face the recession head on and recognise the fact that as a city and as a region we are best placed to ride this current wave and emerge the other side not only stronger, but even more focused on how we can work together for mutual benefit.

And that is not only a good thing for now, but also stands us in good stead for the future.

If you would like to get involved with the campaign, contact business editor Gordon Richardson on 01392 442228 or email grichardson @expressandecho. co.uk