Big boost for businesses

The #GrowingLancashire campaign has been launched by Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub following the news earlier this year that the Hub has been awarded £7.8m. to provide a range of services to Lancashire’s businesses.

Lancashire’s three chambers of commerce, business groups including Growth Lancashire, the Federation of Small Businesses and Downtown Lancashire gave the campaign their backing.

#GrowingLancashire aims to advise and assist more than 4,000 businesses in the county, creating almost 3,000 jobs and helping to establish nearly 700 new businesses by 2018.

Businesses supported by Boost are expected to see their turnover increase by a collective £50m.

Jennifer Mein, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “We want to create an environment where businesses find the right support, through robust and engaging partnerships, to match their ambition and plans for the future.

“Boost launched in 2013 and has helped to create more than 1,200 new jobs.”

The Growth Hub also advises businesses on other available local, regional and national business support programmes as well connecting businesses to private sectors advisers such as accountants, banks and growth consultants.

Some £3.8m. of the funding comes from the European Regional Development Fund, with the rest coming from Lancashire County Council, the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Deal and private sector sources.

Businesses can apply for Boost support by calling 0800 488 0057 or by filling in the contact us form on the Boost website www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk.