THE business accelerator programme Fusion Go is to become an online-only service in September as the firm’s founder moves to New Zealand.

David Jones, of Eaglesfield near Cockermouth, set up Fusion Go last year as a not-for-profit organisation to change the way individuals establish and grow a business.

But the initial 12-month support from Allerdale Council has ended, prompting a switch to an online service, run as a commercial business, targeting clients all over the world.

Mr Jones said: “This new focus for Fusion Go allows the organisation to be more focused on providing bespoke support to entrepreneurs wherever they are.

“We have been developing our own in-house digital marketing skills to support entrepreneurs and now feel ready to practice what we have been preaching and go online ourselves.

“We feel this is the right direction to take.

"Many organisations across the UK, and indeed the world, are moving to an online structure. It’s a very exciting proposition.”

Mr Jones is moving to the New Zealand in August to take up a high-profile role at Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency.

In his absence, the online programme will be headed up by Vicky Rice-Jones, one of the key mentors at Fusion Go.

She said: “The great work we have done with the entrepreneurs has been groundbreaking for Cumbria and we now look to expand the range of companies we support by making the offer available online.

“I am excited by the opportunity to carry on the mantra to make entrepreneurs successful.

“Everyone involved thanks David for the brilliant groundwork he has done in setting up Fusion Go and his energy, passion and dedication to the cause and he will no doubt take these attributes into his next role.”

Fusion Go offered a six-month accelerator programme - or a three-month business impact programme - open to owners of businesses that have been trading for up to three years, including those yet to launch.

Businesses that have applied to join the programme will be contacted to discuss the new online delivery model, and climber businesses that have recently finished will continue to work with Fusion Go using the online offering.

Fusion Go will also continue to deliver the YouthPreneurs Challenge pilot programme involving schools and colleges across north and west Cumbria supported by Sellafield Ltd. This is due to end with a pitching event on July 8 at Energus, Lillyhall.