ESSEX Police has become the first force in the country to pledge to pay its bills to small firms within 20 days to help beat the credit crunch.

The announcement was made by Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lowton at the launch of an Essex Business Against Crime Forum.

More than 80 business men and women from across the county attended the meeting, aimed at finding ways to reduce crime against business.

Mr Lowton told guests at the meeting at the Essex Police headquarters in Chelmsford: “I would like to announce we will be paying our invoices when we buy services and products from firms within 20 days.

“It may not sound like much, but it is something that will provide a big help, particularly at this difficult financial time.”

Mr Lowton was inspired to take action after hearing a talk by the national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, John Wright, who said earlier this month if small companies were not paid within 30 days it could make or break their business.

Mr Lowton added: “We recognise the value and importance of local business and that is why I spoke to our director of finance.”

Iain Wicks, chairman of the Essex branch of the federation, said he hoped other organisations followed Essex Police’s lead.

He said: “We are delighted and the fact they are the first force in the country to make such an announcement is fantastic.

“At the moment cash is king for small businesses and any help they can get is critical.

“Small firms need to be paid quickly so they can pay their suppliers and the bottom line is late payment can cause very serious problems.“ Essex Crime Against Business Forum, organised jointly by Essex Police and the federation, aims to meet annually.