The Sussex economy was badly hit by the events of September 11 last year and the effects of foot and mouth disease.

Hundreds of jobs were lost, especially at Gatwick, and firms went out of business.

But in the past two months, there has been a turning point in the county's fortunes and a sense of optimism in the business world.

The theme of this year's Sussex Enterprise conference is Sussex Means Business, showing that with the right attitude and hard work it is possible to turn round a difficult situation.

Even though there were no cases of foot and mouth in the county, the disease cost businesses more than £18 million as people stayed away from farms and rural areas and cancelled holidays.

The terrorist attack in the United States dealt another serious blow to airlines. More than 3,000 jobs were axed by Gatwick-based businesses and holiday and travel firms had to lay off staff.

But, as fewer went abroad for their holidays, they turned to South Coast resorts, giving hotels in the area their best figures for several years.

While transport suffered, financial services, strongly represented in Sussex, did well.

In spite of high job losses, the county's unemployment figures remained unchanged, showing plenty of businesses were recruiting.

Sussex Enterprise has been working with organisations, inside and outside the county, to kick-start the economy and put it on track for a healthy future. Businesses have been directly helped and benefited from its policies, courses and advice.

The conference and exhibition, at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, on March 21, is the biggest annual businesses event in Sussex and is expected to attract more than 700 delegates from the county's leading businesses and organisations.

Sussex Enterprise chief executive Ken Caldwell will address the event, reflecting on the issues that affected businesses over the year and out-

lining what the future holds.

He will tell delegates how Sussex Enterprise plans to work on behalf of the business community on key issues.

Mr Caldwell said: "This is a conference business people across the south cannot afford to miss. It offers a huge range of information and delegates will make valuable contacts with like-minded business people and potential customers.

"There will be plenty of opportunities to talk to our business advisers about Sussex Enterprise services and they will get the chance to view a major exhibition of key businesses."

Karen Silk, chief executive of Burgess Hill-based Capital International HR Solutions, will share the secrets of her success with delegates. Henry Ball, executive director of Sussex Learning and Skills Council, Ian Jaggard, managing director of Check Technology, of Crawley, and John Peel, managing director of Crawley-based Varian Medical Systems, will be presenting seminars.

To book your place, visit the Sussex Enterprise web site at www.sussexenterprise.co.uk.