By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 12:21, Tuesday, 21 August 2012

About 900 jobs and almost 500 new businesses are expected to be created in Cumbria following a £3.5 million investment in a Rural Growth Network.

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The news was announced by Farming Minister Jim Paice who is visiting Cumbria today.

Cumbria is one of five regions to benefit from a Rural Growth Network, set up by the Government to help rural areas overcome the barriers to economic growth such as a shortage of business premises and poor broadband access.

Mr Paice is visiting the Blencathra Business Centre in Keswick which will be transformed into eight new work premises with business services including one-to-one business advice, online training, networking opportunities and access to superfast broadband.

Entrepreneurs will have new work space to start up their companies and jobs will be created as businesses get the support to grow.

A total of 76 new work premises are planned for the county.

Mr Paice said: “There are particular challenges to running a business in a remote area.

“Too often, business people are held back by not being able to find work premises, having no access to superfast broadband, or being unable to expand their skills without travelling into a city.

“The Rural Growth Network will take down these barriers to growth and enable local businesses to turn their ambitions into reality.”

Mr Paice will have his first meetings with Cumbria’s two Rural and Farming Networks.

He said: “My visit to Cumbria gives me an opportunity to hear first-hand not only about the challenges rural businesses face, but also of the innovative ideas that have made them a success.

“It’s all about listening to what works, and how the Government can do more to enable rural businesses to achieve their economic potential and support thriving rural communities.”

To complete his visit, Mr Paice will deliver a speech at the Dairy Farming in Cumbria conference at Edenhall in Penrith.

The conference is the first of its kind and will focus on the challenges faced by farmers, growth opportunities and sharing best practice on farm management.

First published at 11:26, Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk