A PROGRAMME of support to help individuals, new entrepreneurs and businesses in Barrow to grow and prosper is underway thanks to funding from the ambitious #BrilliantBarrow Town Deal programme.

The Barrow Business and Enterprise Support Project will offer free, tailored support through a range of workshops, webinars, training, help to access wider supply chain opportunities and 1-2-1 adviser support.

It will be delivered by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership(CLEP) working in partnership with Cumbria Business Growth Hub and Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership.

Lesley Robinson, Head of Business Support at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’re really excited to be able to support individuals and businesses in Barrow through the Barrow Business and Enterprise Support Project.

“We’re keen to hit the ground running and will be working to forge links with referral organisations and key groups in the area to ensure we can offer this free support to as many individuals and businesses as possible.

“Through our partnership with CSEP we can also extend the offer to social enterprises.”

Rob Randell, CSEP Chair: “CSEP is pleased to be working in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce to deliver business support to further develop our local Social Enterprise sector in Barrow and as part of the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal. Social Enterprises in Barrow run some vital local services across the borough at a community level. They provide employment and training opportunities, often to people who may struggle to find these elsewhere. This programme will give the chance to create new Social Enterprises and further support the existing sector.”

Jon Power, Head of Programmes at Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “We are delighted to be working with partners to deliver this empowering project for budding Barrow entrepreneurs and those thinking about setting up a business.

“The opportunity to stimulate interest in the supply chain opportunities that exist throughout the area, and improving the productivity of businesses in the borough, is a really positive development.”

The Barrow Business and Enterprise Support Project is one of seven projects that make up the #BrilliantBarrow Town Deal – an exciting programme designed to help communities to thrive into the future.

The project will provide four distinct strands which are designed to enhance the wider network and availability of business support – individuals, community businesses and social enterprises, businesses that could benefit from wider supply chain opportunities and support which aims to improve competitiveness and productivity.

Individuals and businesses can benefit from either three hours or 12 hours of support including an initial business review, available immediately until March 31, 2024.

Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council and a #BrilliantBarrow Town Deal board member, said: “We are delighted to see this project go live in Barrow to help provide a long-lasting boost to our local economy.

“All kinds of businesses are set to benefit from the accessible and expert help and support available – from people starting out on their own to larger, more established businesses that could tap into unique opportunities available within the wider supply chain in this area.

“A huge amount of work has gone into developing the seven #BrilliantBarrow projects since the funding was secured from Government so it is simply wonderful to see this project launch.”

Anyone interested in receiving support via the project should contact Cumbria Business Growth Hub on 0844 257 8450 or email info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk