Boost programme aims to create 1,200 Lancs jobs

A £7.2m business support programme has been launched in Lancashire that will aim to create 1,200 jobs over the next two years.

Boost Business Lancashire, developed by the region’s local enterprise partnership (LEP), will offer mentoring and coaching with a particular focus on start-ups and advanced manufacturing. Some assistance will be free, while some will be part-funded.

The aim is to add £20m to the county’s economy and protect 700 jobs, as well as create new ones. It is being funded with £2m from Lancashire County Council, £1m from partners including the University of Central Lancashire, and £600,000 from participating businesses. This figure has been matched by the European Regional Development Fund.

Edwin Booth, chairman of the LEP, said: “Lancashire’s ambitious and inspirational business leaders hold the key to growth in the county. We want to help them take control of business growth by bringing together firms with high growth potential and giving them the tools needed to realise their ambition.
 
“Whether a business has specific growth plans or not, the business support landscape for growing businesses is complex and quite often business owners and directors don’t know where to turn. We’re aiming to provide a unique service that allows decision makers to start the growth conversation, giving them simple access to world-class advice, some of it funded.

“Through the LEP, we’re adopting a private sector focus to the programme. Our primary target is to help ambitious, growth-hungry businesses looking to realise their potential. It’s an exciting project – the biggest of its kind for ambitious businesses in Lancashire – and one that will act as a catalyst for growth in the county’s economy.”