The business community should pull together to steer the economy through the economic downturn caused by the terrorist attacks in the United States.

Norman Boyland, executive chairman of the West Sussex Economic Forum, called for a co-ordinated and level-headed reaction by Government and business to develop the stability from which new growth can emerge.

He said: "Taking stock in the aftermath of the attacks in America, we can see a determined effort on the part of governments around the world to come together to deal with a common threat to our society.

"There is an impressive unity in this fight against terrorism and it is accompanied by an equal determination to avoid global recession.

"It is clear a solution will take some time to achieve and it will not come about through military action alone but will require concerted political and economic measures as well."

Mr Boyland said uncertainty about what would happen next had added to the doubts arising from deflation the new technology bubble.

He said: "Confidence is badly shaken in the air transport industry with businesses in some instances reviewing the travel schedules of their executives.

"This will have a knock-on effect for hotel occupancy rates and other services to travellers.

"While we recognise the importance of Gatwick and the air transport sector to the Sussex economy, we should consider the strength and diversity that exists in the rest of the economy with strong representation in the financial services, pharmaceutical, electronics and the growing automotive sectors.

"These are mainstream economy sectors and less vulnerable to the uncertainty we are experiencing."

Mr Boyland, a former director of pharmaceuticals giant GlaxoSmithKline, said while some of the froth might have been removed from the Sussex economy, we should continue to experience healthy employment levels.

The forum would continue to focus on the upgrading of skills in the county and use them to improve efficiencies and the value-added content of goods and services.

It would continue to work towards improvement of the infrastructure and easing transport problems seen as a barrier to growth.