The National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA) is holding a Credit Crunch Week to show SMEs that there is 'no need to feel alone or isolated' in the face of financial problems.

Chief executive of the NFEA George Derbyshire says that many small business owners have 'little or no experience of managing in difficult times', adding that the federation hopes to advise firms on how best to deal with the credit crunch.

The group will be running workshops, seminars and surgeries from Monday 28 April until Friday 2 May.

'At a time when all the headlines are bad, it's important to get the message across that with a cool head and sound management, you can work your way through this situation,' Derbyshire advises.

The NFEA is an independent network of local enterprise agencies and aims to ensure that SME owners are well-versed in realistic forecasting and financial control, as well as helping businesses maintain healthy relationships with customers, suppliers and their bank.

For more information on Credit Crunch Week, click here.