A former senior diplomat has been appointed to look after the interests of businesses in the Brighton and Hove area.

The post has been created by Sussex Enterprise to meet the changing needs of businesses in the county and the support available to them.

Michael Cook, who has a wealth of experience in helping British firms find markets, business partners and investment opportunities abroad, in both developed and developing countries, was consul general in Istanbul between 1992 and 1997.

He was also head of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's largest overseas commercial post.

His last job as a diplomat, from which he retired last year, was as British high commissioner in Uganda where he was twice host to trade missions organised by Sussex Enterprise.

Mr Cook said: "I was impressed by the enthusiasm and efficiency of Sussex Enterprise as organisers of trade missions and of the quality of their mission members who visited Uganda.

"I am delighted now to be a member of the organisation and to have been appointed area director. I will be working from home in order to be able to visit as many local businesses as possible.

"Of course, I have much to learn about the local business scene and about the opportunities and challenges faced by firms within the area.

"But I am confident the experience I gained as a diplomat in helping companies, most of which were small and medium-sized enterprises, will stand me in good stead."

Mr Cook, who has a degree in business studies, worked exporting for a food company before joining the Foreign Office.

He sees the key tasks for his new role as providing firms with access to business development services, creating networking and lobbying groups on key economic issues and ensuring the business view is portrayed accurately in the media.

He has strong links with Scandinavia and is already planning to bring over IT firms from Sweden to meet local firms with a view to working together.

Mr Cook can be contacted on 07710 909586 and his email address is: michael.cook @sussexenterprise.co.uk.