A business finance company set up by managers of a former Brighton-based factoring house has allocated a £10million development fund to help young companies in the South-East.

City Invoice Finance is aiming the fund at companies which have realistic plans for growth but do not have the capital to fund the development.

Managing director David Thomas had first-hand experience of the tremendous development potential of the region when he worked as national sales manager for International Factors, which was based in Brighton.

He said: "We are able to help growing businesses with funding in a way that bigger invoice discounting companies and banks cannot, although the company can work in conjunction with banks to provide a range of funding options.

"We are offering help to companies requiring from £25,000 up to £2.5million."