Act now to make the most of funded recovery support

Lancashire business leaders have been advised the time is now to make the most of funded business support currently available within the county.

The calls come from Lancashire’s public sector leaders to take advantage of a number of enhanced fully-funded business support opportunities while they are available on key issues including EU Transition and business resilience.

The advice marks almost a year to the day since Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub, launched its #AskForHelp service, prompting troubled business leaders to engage with the growth hub for business and mental health support.

County Councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for economic development, environment and planning, Lancashire County Council, said: “Every company in Lancashire has felt the impact of the coronavirus during the past year and through Boost, Lancashire County Council has supported its businesses since the very start of the pandemic.

“Boost’s #AskForHelp service, launched on the first day of UK lockdown, has meant more than 2,700 businesses have received direct Covid-related guidance from a member of the Boost team over the past year, with thousands more using Boost’s online tips and advice.

“Boost has also worked with Government and other bodies to make a wide range of specialist guidance available to businesses on issues including Covid-19 recovery, Brexit and building a more resilient business.

“As the economy begins to rebuild and business owners and managers look to the future, we urge them to act now and make the most of the fully-funded support available by getting in touch with Boost.”

Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. It is led by the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and Lancashire County Council and supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund, Lancashire County Council and Government.

Since #AskForHelp, Boost has led a number of other funded support initiatives within Lancashire.

These include the Brexit Cross Border Trade Advisory Service, a partnership between and Lancashire’s three Chambers of Commerce, funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

The fully-funded service, delivered by the Chambers’ international trade specialists, is designed to help importers and exporters manage the changes in trading with Europe following the UK’s exit from the EU. This support is available until March 31.

Another support opportunity set to end shortly is Resilience Networks, which gives Lancashire business leaders funded access to events, coaching and other support from private sector firms including Forbes Solicitors, The F Word, lovelocalsolutions and Sales Geek.

Boost has also worked with BEIS and Lancashire partners to deliver a peer learning project which has supported more than 320 Lancashire businesses as well as delivering grants and other funding within the county during the past year.

Andrew Leeming, programme manager, Boost, said: “Wherever you are on your business recovery journey, and whatever issues you’re facing, Boost will be able to help or point you in the right direction.

“All it takes is a conversation with our team, get in touch now and see how we can help.”

Businesses can get in touch with Boost by calling 0800 488 0057, by emailing [email protected] or by visiting the Boost website.