Calling all businesses - sign up now for Business Support Programme

31 July 2012

South Lakeland District Council, as part of Invest in South Lakeland, is funding a Business Support Programme to help new and existing businesses, and those who want to relocate to South Lakeland.  Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency (CREA) and Furness Enterprise (FE) will be helping to deliver the programme of initiatives to businesses across the district. 

Anyone considering self-employment should sign up to attend a free seminar which looks at what’s involved in running a business and developing business ideas.

The start-up package offers help and advice on how to set up a new business.  Local entrepreneurs who sign up to the scheme will also have access to a business advisor and mentor.  There will be help provided for writing a business plan, plus a business skills seminar that will cover topics from tax and accounts to branding, marketing and sales.  

The programme also provides help and advice to existing businesses to help them grow, diversify or survive by increasing their profitability or to protect or generate new jobs.    Specialist workshops will be available on subjects such as human resources, on-line marketing, advance business planning, financial and tax workshops along with customer care and time management.

Cllr Ian Stewart, portfolio holder for Enterprise and Economy, said: “If you are in business or thinking of starting one then sign up to the council’s Business Support Programme now.  The programme really does offer some useful advice to anyone in business and the free seminars offer everyone attending an opportunity to network and discuss ideas and plans with other like-minded business people.  I would urge anyone in business to sign up to this programme now and find out how your business can grow and improve.”   

For full details of all the business support packages available please contact Gemma at CREA on 01539 726624 or email gemma@crea.co.uk or check out the Invest in South Lakeland website at http://www.investinsouthlakeland.gov.uk/