Is this the year we finally wave goodbye to the recession and see confidence returning to our businesses?

It's a good question that Business Matters is keen to answer and is why we have launched our That's Good News campaign.

It is designed to measure confidence across the business community and to give companies and workers the opportunity to tell us how they feel things will work out in 2014.

The campaign will centre on the feedback of readers and our online audience who will all be asked to contribute to our unique Good News barometer launched on our website today.

Today also see the launch of the #thatsgoodnews hashtag on Twitter which will highlight the good news across the city.

You can take part in our Good News barometer online and help us gauge the county's mood.

We will be asking you if you feel good or bad about a current news topic.

Register your vote and each day we will show how good Sussex is feeling with our Good News barometer.

You can find it on our dedicated That's Good News site, which will feature the latest good news stories, Tweets and photos.

To find out more and get involved visit www.theargus.co.uk/thatsgoodnews.

Next week Business Matters will focus on the North Laine as a barometer of business success in the region.

The Argus Business Editor John Keenan will be out in the area talking to traders and we will publish their reaction an in-depth a feature on Tuesday.

We will be regularly testing the temperature of the city's mood over the next three months, our reporters will be asking readers to tell us their good news stories and our logo will be appearing on stories throughout the campaign.

According to the latest report from Centre for Cities small and medium sized businesses have driven growth in Brighton and Hove, contributing 2.2 times the city's net private sector jobs.

The report said the city is ranked fifth in the UK for new business creation.

Business leaders said happiness among the workforce is not only good for the workers it also delivers real benefits to the firm.

Sarah Springford, director at the Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the campaign and said members of the chamber would be backing it.

She said that all the successful businesses that she comes across have a motivated workforce.

She said: “We are running the Living Wage campaign because the cost of living in the city is high. But money is not everything.

“It's about having a say in the way your business is run and not being just a cog in the machine.

“The SME businesses in Brighton and Hove are very good at engaging the workforce.”

Nikki Gatenby, boss at search engine optimisation company Propellernet in Castle Square, said the Good news campaign is close to her heart.

She took her 60 members of staff away to Chamonix in France in the week between Christmas and New Year.

She said: “It may seem extravagant but it was actually very productive. We wanted to show to a new ski client how much we care about their business.

“It's all about working together better and having stronger relationships.

“I firmly believe that if you help people live happier, fuller lives and follow their dreams, you will land a roster of highly creative, productive talent. We are living proof of this.”

Michael Beard said: “All the economic indicators point to a recovery gathering speed as we enter the New Year.

“Brighton and Hove was built for good times and we want to help business owners spread the word about their good news.

“Please get in touch - tell us about your business wins, your new appointments and your award - winning achievements.”

Email: john.keenan@theargus.co.uk