Edeal, the enterprise agency in Eastbourne, said new businesses are opening in the town at a faster rate than the national average.

The town is also bucking the national trend that shows a slowing down in start-ups, according to Barclays Bank.

The agency has already had to add an extra three-day business start-up course at the beginning of September, which is completely filled, and may have to organise another one to keep up with the demand. This follows a 35 per cent increase in demand for courses and one-to-one advice in the first quarter of 2001.

Chief executive, George Collier said: "The demand here is certainly stronger than in other areas. We clearly have an enterprise climate in Eastbourne.

"It's good too that our starters come from so many backgrounds, not only young entrepreneurs but people from the Government's New Deal and Work-Based Learning programmes and referrals from banks and law firms.

"They are coming from all walks of life and age groups. Our research has shown that one in three of our start-ups are employing one or more staff within three years."

The start-up course covers the basic knowledge essential to running a business, including book keeping, accounts and tax.