The BP Chemicals site at Saltend created Sirius in September 1999 as one means of providing continuing support to the local economy and communities around its manufacturing base near the city of Hull. Sirius is a Dti registered enterprise agency.  It was set up in March 2000 and has 3 full-time employees. The existing and key target market is those individuals wanting to startup businesses in the travel-to-work area around BP Chemicals Hull site. The office is located in the town of Hedon, east of the city of Hull and its geographic area of operation covers the potentially thriving region of Holderness in the East Riding of Yorkshire and the City of Hull. Sirius is a unique partnership established by BP at Saltend, Hull, investing in the economic future of the local area. Sirius can offer business loans for local people seeking to establish a business in the area, or to expand an already successful business in Hull and the surrounding areas. Launched in September 1999 with a £1 million investment from BP, Sirius has so far given help and advice to hundreds of people hoping to start up in business or to expand through start-up loans and free advice, and the demand for its services is still growing!