Business academies will continue to deliver

Blackpool businesses can continue to receive free support thanks to an extension of existing funding for the town’s business academy programmes.

The project extension has received £525,000 from the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Blackpool Council launched two new business academy programmes in October 2023, offering tailored advice to new and growing businesses and practical help to lower carbon emissions.

Hundreds of Blackpool businesses have benefitted and received free support from at least one of the academies.

The Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy has worked with 120 businesses to develop bespoke decarbonisation plans.

On average those plans have identified savings of 47 per cent on energy costs, 59 per cent in emissions and £1m in total savings.

Some businesses benefitted from eco-grants to help kick start their Net Zero journey.

The Blackpool Growth Business Academy has supported more than 300 start-up businesses and provided growth and scale advice to 139 established companies.

It has developed 279 action plans through one-to-one support with a business advisor and hosted 57 workshops and masterclasses.

This work has led to the creation of 37 new businesses and almost 100 new jobs in new and existing companies, according to figures from Blackpool Council.

The funding, previously allocated through the Shared Prosperity Fund until March 2025, has now been extended allowing the business support programmes to remain in place for an additional year.

This initiative continues to be fully funded by the government through the Lancashire Combined County Authority.

Councillor Mark Smith, Blackpool Council cabinet member for economy and built environment, said: “We are pleased to confirm the continuation of these business support programmes, ensuring that Blackpool’s entrepreneurs and business leaders have ongoing access to personalised advice and mentoring.

“This investment reflects our commitment to economic development, job creation, and sustainable business practices.

“We have received fantastic feedback from the businesses that we have supported during the first round of funding and we look forward to helping them and new businesses to grow in the coming year.”

Blackpool businesses can register their interest via www.blackpoolunlimited.com