The grimmest set of figures since records began underline the decline in all sectors of business across the West Midlands in the first three months of this year.

Data released today by West Midlands Chambers of Commerce (WMCC) show that both the manufacturing and service sectors have suffered a huge drop in home sales and orders. 

And there was little to cheer in export markets with over half showing a decrease in sales and orders. The service sector was struggling in the face of increasing competition.

Simon Topman, chairman of the WMCC and himself a manufacturer, said: "These are extremely depressing figures and they present in stark reality the depth of the global recession.

"But there are areas of stability on which we can build. The Chambers will keep up pressure on the government to give strategic help to the region and work with local authorities to ease the obvious pain. "

In manufacturing, there has been an increase of 40 per cent to 68 per cent in the number of businesses reporting a decrease in domestic sales - the highest figure since records began in the 1970s.

And 54 per cent of companies reported a decrease in export sales, compared to 35 per cent in the previous quarter. Forward orders in the export market depict a similar outlook. 

In services the export market has remained relatively stable but still in need of boost. Thirty-six per cent, the same as the final quarter of 2008, reported a decrease in export sales over the past three months. The percentage of service sector firms who are exporting remained at 25. 

In manufacturing, 24 per cent of respondents state that their investment plans for training have been scaled downwards, representing an increase of six percent. 

This is believed to be due to a number of reasons - a decrease in work force, decline is cash flow and a fall in profitability. Investment plans for services decreased a further five per cent. 

There has been an increase in firms reporting a decrease in their workforce over the past three months but a number have cut their average working hours to stave off redundancy. 

In manufacturing, 40 per cent of respondents stated that their workforce had decreased in the past three months, which is the highest since records began. 

Commenting on the survey results, Simon Tulitt, divisional director of Southern Staffordshire Chamber of commerce said: "By now we all know that the news is bad and these results are historical. There are number of signals that give cause for thinking that if we can survive 2009, 2010 will be better."

Businesses can now take advantage of up to £2,500 recruitment and "on the job" training subsidies, as an incentive to take on people who've been looking for work for six months or more.

The subsidy is worth £1000 and the company can, depending on location, access up to £1,500 worth of in-work training.

The "golden hello", is part of a package of measures announced by the Prime Minister in January, designed to give support to people who've been claiming Jobseeker's Allowance for six months.

The other elements of the package include more support for people who want to set up their own business; access to 75,000 new work-focused training opportunities; and the opportunity to do work-focused volunteering.

James Purnell, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: "The impact of the global recession is being felt here at home, and finding a job is not easy. We are investing £2bn to help people get back into work as quickly as possible.

"This is just part of a range of measures coming in today to give people all the support we can - from CV writing and job searching to skills checks and training opportunities - to make sure that where it happens unemployment is short and people can quickly find their way back to supporting themselves and their families."

As well as the enhanced offer for jobseekers reaching the six month point, more help available from day one of unemployment also comes on stream today. It includes greater support for job searching, CV writing, help with skills, interview preparation and access to more Local Employment Partnership vacancies.

Employers should contact their local college or Business Link on 0845 600 9006 to get advice about training, including eligibility for public funding.

Aston Science Park is hosting a seminar to encourage businesses to use new technology so it can increase productivity and reduce overheads.

The free Business Technology Applications event is being held on Wednesday, April 29.

Sponsored by Birmingham-based Interactive Telecoms, the seminar is being run as part of  a series of Seminars For Success events run at the park to help executives in the region to grow and sustain their businesses.

Interactive Telecoms is a leading provider of Cisco Systems, the global communications company, and has secured Andy Willmott, territory market manager for Cisco, to speak at the seminar.

Andy will present the Achieving Business Objectives through Unified Communications section of the event.

Margaret Brewer, managing director of Interactive Telecoms, said: "We explain to our clients every day how a unified communications system can reduce overheads, maximise productivity and even work towards green credentials for a company."

The seminar is free of charge and includes breakfast and networking opportunities. It runs from 8am-10.45am. To book a place, visit www.astonsciencepark.co.uk