TOO few Worcestershire businesses have discovered that they qualify for a Government funded "Growth Voucher" to help them boost their profits.

This is the view of the grants expert at Bishop Fleming, fast growing Top 40 accountancy firm, which has an office in Worcester.

Ewan McClymont, Bishop Fleming's Head of Grants said: "Vince Cable's department has not been great at publicising the availability of ‘Growth Vouchers' for England's independent SMEs. These vouchers can be used to obtain expert guidance on many different areas, including business strategy and financial planning, aimed at boosting growth and profits.

"Britain's economic recovery will be led by the growth of independent small businesses, but most owners of those businesses have little knowledge of the financial help that is now available to them. The "Growth Vouchers" scheme is a perfect example of this.

"The criteria to receive these vouchers, worth thousands , are pretty simple, as is the process of making an online application.

"These vouchers are geared to offsetting the cost of bringing in a qualified professional adviser with a proven track record of success."

Full details of the Government's "Growth Vouchers" scheme, including application forms, can be found at www.marketplace.enterprisenation.com/about