By John Connell

Last updated at 16:32, Friday, 29 June 2012

The trust that looks after Hadrian’s Wall has reached the next round in a bid for cash from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF).

The private sector bid is seeking £3.28 million of RGF fund and the Hadrian’s Wall Trust has already identified 33 small businesses keen to take part.

Between them they propose to create 156 direct jobs across Hadrian’s Wall country and have demonstrated that they will raise more than £12m of private sector investment if the bid is successful.

They also expect that around 50 businesses will take part, and that a total of 239 direct jobs would be created.

Projects range from hotel and accommodation expansions, to the development of attractions and to food and retail.

The scheme will also support a marketing campaign on behalf of the businesses across Hadrian’s Wall country.

Michael Baker, of the trust, said: “We had very constructive feedback on our second round bid which we’re taking into account.

“We must make the most of every opportunity to support businesses in Hadrian’s Wall country to help them create jobs and boost the local economy.

“This area has many really enterprising and imaginative companies ready to invest in the future, even in the current recession.

“The collective investment they propose reflects their confidence in the growing Hadrian’s Wall Country brand and economic potential of the area around the world heritage site.”

The result of the Regional Growth Fund bid is likely to be known towards the end of September.

If successful the scheme could start at the beginning of January 2013.

Meanwhile, Cumbria has also been chosen as one of five areas that will receive up to £2m funding for Rural Growth Networks to help female entrepreneurs in remote areas.

Among those who could benefit is a wig-making company run by a cancer survivor in Carlisle.

Sandra Jones owns Wigsense, on Birchdale Road, Belle Vue, which offers clothing, prosthetics and accessories to cancer victims and others in need.

Others who could benefit include Susanna Donovan, who turned her recipe for a pepper sauce into a business, and Sally Fielding, whose Keswick lettings agency expects to take £2.5m worth of bookings this year.

First published at 14:34, Friday, 29 June 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk