A body formed to help start up business ventures get off the ground is marking its 30th birthday today and is poised to work on a major national project to help entrepreneurs secure bank funding.

Originally founded in 1982 as the Lowestoft Enterprise Trust, NWES has grown to become a regional player in enterprise support and economic development, with a �6m turnover and 18 business centres across the region, ranging from OrbisEnergy in Lowestoft to Harlow Enterprise Hub.

It has also contributed to the government's start-up strategy, and in the last five years has helped 2411 new businesses to start trading.

This month it will be involved in a national investment readiness programme with Barclays to provide help in accessing bank funding.

In addition to the 1-to-1 business advice sessions and training courses, the NWES Group also comprises an Education Business Partnership (NWES World of Work) which facilitates links between schools and local companies. .

To celebrate its birthday, staff and tenants at their enterprise centres have been tucking into '30th' cakes along with champagne. A 1980's party will be held later in the year to celebrate three decades of encouraging enterprise.

Kevin Horne, who has been chief executive since 1997, said: 'From four staff and a shared computer we now cover four counties and have helped over 10,000 new businesses to start up, thrive and survive.

'I am immensely proud of the organisation, in particular for remaining independent which means we have been able to solely concentrate on providing what our clients want and need.'