Birmingham and West Midlands' professionals have offered hundreds of hours of free advice in the wake of the MG Rover crisis.

Firms have provided at least 430 hours free, according to Birmingham Forward.

Simon Murphy, chief executive of Birmingham Forward and a member of the MG Rover Taskforce, said: "The ripple effect of MG Rover's collapse is beginning to be felt - it began by affecting first tier suppliers and is now moving on to second and third tier suppliers.

"Other less obvious companies are being hit such as caterers as well as businesses serving the wider community around Longbridge including pubs, restaurants and newsagents."

He said firms needed advice on access to funding and assets, and on employment issues.

Richard Haywood, managing partner of Wragge & Co, said: "Our team has enjoyed working with Advantage West Midlands, the Department of Trade and Industry and other Birmingham professionals, in relation to the establishment of the £20 million Advantage Transition Bridge Fund to provide a source of finance to hard-pressed suppliers and dealers who have 15 per cent or more to their turnover dependent on MG Rover.

"It has been a real team effort and has brought the best out of Birmingham's professional community in circumstances where all of the participants have provided their time on a pro bono basis."

Tony Supperstone, partner at accountant BDO Stoy Hayward, said: "We have provided advice at the Chamber of Commerce's surgeries and have answered questions like 'How do I get back my stock that is on site at Rover?' and 'Should I supply Powertrain?'

"Just as important has been the emotional support provided. Managing a business facing these challenges can be a lonely experience and knowing there are plenty of people on your side can make the crucial difference."