Businesses across the Plymouth area are receiving some welcome publicity in a newspaper campaign which is being backed by Lord Mandelson and a BBC Dragon.

The Herald’s ‘Plymouth Bites Back’ joins a growing trend among the regional press to highlight what’s on offer on readers’ doorsteps and encourage them shop with local, independent businesses.

The Northcliffe daily will be showcasing the best the city and wider region has to offer as Plymouth comes to terms with the recession.

Lord Mandelson told The Herald: “I warmly welcome this campaign to support small businesses in the area.

“Local businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and the government is providing real help to support them through the downturn and see them emerge stronger on the other side.”

Theo Paphitis, star of the BBC show Dragon’s Den, added: “The Herald should be commended for its campaign to support independent businesses.

“Yes, times are difficult and sadly many people are fearful about the future – but this is all the more reason for communities to stick together and help one another. The Herald gets my vote.”

This week The Herald has been running stories and features on Plymouth businesses which are winning vital contracts, ways sports can benefit the local economy, the leisure industry and how some independent businesses are thriving.

Plymouth Bites Back will also champion businesses in the city over the coming year and aim to provide support for consumers and workers during the current financial downturn.

Click on the links below to see how other local newspapers are trying to boost their local economy and save readers money: