Five firms have joined forces to create a new Business Impact Group (BIG) with responsible business charity Business in the Community.

The Brighton BIG will address issues around employability, enterprise and education in the city, aiming to create change within a number of community partners through strategic, sustained business support.

Members include Legal & General, Kelly Communications, SiteVisibility, CPJ Field and Co and Create.net.

Brighton and Hove City Council will offer pledges of support and work through various collaborations. The BIG was developed following an agreement by business leaders that collaborative action was key to addressing problems of deprivation in the city.

Frances Borrer, of Legal & General, said: “Through working collaboratively with other businesses we can focus our support and work effectively in sharing our skills and resources with the local community. “In time I hope BIG grows and that other employers will consider supporting the initiative so that we can grow our impact”.

One of the first community partners to work with the Brighton BIG is Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA).

Businesses will support the school within the curriculum, enterprise leadership and governance.

For more information about the Business in the Community charity see www.bitc.org.uk.