BUSINESSES are being asked to get in touch with Cumbria Business Growth Hub to see what support they can receive.

Launched in 2011, the hub has supported more than 18,000 businesses and the managing director at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Suzanne Caldwell, is calling on more firms to request their help.

She said: “Thousands of businesses throughout the county have benefited from the Growth Hub. And there’s probably never been a more important time to access all the help you can get to address the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities. There’s a great range of support available and, on top of what we deliver directly, the Growth Hub can link you into what’s most appropriate to you – whether we deliver it or someone else does. So you can concentrate on your business and don’t have to spend time looking for what help’s out there.”

Much of the support offered is free thanks to funding from Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and its partners Carlisle City Council, Penrith Industrial BID, Sellafield Ltd., South Lakeland District Council, Lancaster University Management School and the European Regional Development Fund.

Client Dee Ashman of Predator Experience said: “The assistance provided by our adviser was practical and always professional.

“We would highly recommend any young business take advantage of this essential service.”

Joyce Hadwin of R B Woodall Ltd said: “Support through Cumbria Business Growth Hub enabled us to purchase new equipment. Our adviser was an enormous support, assisting with all aspects of our grant application.”