BUSINESS Boost is “extremely important for the local economy” according to one of the region’s law experts.

The competition, run by CN Group, aims to help small and fledgling businesses grow.

Stuart Irving, company and employment partner at Bendles Solicitors, said: “We started off as a family business in the area 200 years ago so local firms are an important cornerstone of our business and what we do.

“Schemes such as these are extremely important for the local economy. Cumbrian business, especially the young ones need to survive and grow, so the competition is an opportunity for them to establish themselves.

“If at the end of the competition, it allows a business to take on just one more person, it’s been a huge success. We need our businesses to grow and prosper.”

Bendles Solicitors of Carlisle is co-sponsoring the competition in the north of the county.

One of last year's winners was Bruce and Luke's Coffee.

Luke Jackson, joint owner, encouraged businesses to take part in the contest.

He said: "People should always push themselves to change and do things.

"If you are not sticking your head out there and entering competitions you are not going to get there."

The company has a strong presence online and with social media but Mr Jackson maintains more traditional forms of media still have a vital role to play for modern businesses.

"You should have a good mix of everything," he said.

"Email is good for sales, social media offers something 'behind the scenes' and with print media, you (CN Group) have been going a long time and you have built up a lot of equity with the public and a lot of trust."

The closing date is March 31. Judging takes place in early April.