TWO sisters from Derbyshire have joined forces to create a firm which aims to boost the profile of local businesses.

Deborah Porter, founder of Essential New Media, has teamed up with her sister, Sharon Stevens-Cash, who has recently launched her own company, Essential Marketing Solutions.

Together, the sisters from Aston-on-Trent aim to offer practical advice to help businesses through the economic slowdown by maximising their potential on the internet and providing them with improved marketing.

Deborah said: "Websites are one of the most important and effective marketing tools in this demanding world of instant information and it is difficult sometimes for businesses to understand their potential for opening doors to new customers."

Sharon, who has worked with a range of brands over 10 years in senior marketing and communications positions, including Derby Cityscape, said: "Marketing is a tool that all businesses use to varying degrees and, in these difficult economic times, it is even more important to use them effectively, saving time and money."