Campaign aiming for £50m growth boost in Lancashire launches

Leading figures from Lancashire’s business community have joined Lancashire’s new look Business Growth Hub Boost to launch #GrowingLancashire.

It follows 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 Business and Downtown Lancashire have given 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 – growing Lancashire’s economy.

Jennifer Mein, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “We’ve got ambitious plans to grow the Lancashire economy, by providing companies with advice and support that’s tailored to their business.

“The first stage of Boost was extremely popular - supporting thousands of businesses, creating jobs and encouraging economic growth. Boost launched in 2013 and more than 2,400 businesses in Lancashire accessed its support, helping create over 1,200 new jobs.

“This new campaign #GrowingLancashire will build on Boost’s original success, by providing a strong programme of support for Lancashire’s businesses.”

The Growth Hub also advises businesses on other available local, regional and national business support programmes and funding.

£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.

Babs Murphy, chief executive of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said: “This is an exceptional service to support the Lancashire business community. It provides an access to a wealth of advice and information to help local businesses grow and develop. It is a great resource which helps businesses achieve results quickly.”.

Firms can apply for Boost support via 0800 488 0057 or by filling in the ‘contact us’ form on the Boost website - www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk.