Business Link Yorkshire has launched the programme in the region as a package of support and advice, including paid-for sessions with accountants.

It will also help businesses make the most of opportunities so they can boost the overall economy.

Andy Tuscher, senior Business Link adviser, said: "We want to help businesses to take the financial health check to either ride out the credit crunch or capitalise on opportunities out there.

"There are those who can exploit the current market trends.

"We don't want to have a business that fails which has not spoken to us and where we could have saved them.

"They have to be sustainable businesses, not those which are certain to close."

The free healthcheck, funded by Yorkshire Forward, includes help to create a business plan either online or over the phone.

If more help is needed, £1,000 or £2,000 is available to pay for a meeting with an accountant who will focus on financial priorities and recommend key actions.

Mr Tuscher said struggling sectors included construction, independent financial services, accountants, estate agents and those supplying to the housing market – including plumbers and decorators.

Order books across all sectors were drying up but older businesses could rely on back order books to carry them through.

Mr Tuscher said: "Where businesses have got high overheads they are most likely to be suffering in the long term. So the health check is to sit down with accountants and look at the financial well being of the business."

Helen West, Business Link Yorkshire's chief executive, said: "This health check will identify potential problem areas and address other issues that businesses should consider, such as new markets and making the best uses of existing resources."

The accountancy support is aimed at businesses that have been trading for more than one year and which employ staff.

For more information call Business Link on 0845 6 048 048 or go to www.businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk.

The scheme will be available for three months from December 2.