Preston business owners and leaders have been urged to utilise the wealth of funded support available to help with their business planning in 2021.

Public sector business leaders have issued a reminder there are support programmes available for companies at every stage of their recovery to help them with a range of challenges.

They advised businesses to contact Boost, which is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub.

Business owners can discuss their key challenges or opportunities and the support available to them.

Boost has core fully-funded programmes including:

• Support for new business owners or those looking to start a business
• Help to define a growth plan and create a strong environment for sustained success
• A mentoring programme that matches business owners and managers with specialist knowledge and experience to overcome key challenges

There is a programme to help established business owners and managers improve resilience and develop an effective senior management team.

There is also a relationship management service, featuring an expert team who can advise business leaders and direct them to the most relevant support around Lancashire.

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County Councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for economic development, environment and planning, Lancashire County Council, said: “We have a hugely resilient economy in Lancashire and our businesses have now weathered almost a year of uncertainty and turmoil.

“While many are still facing daily struggles due to the pandemic, others are beginning to think of their recovery and some are even further along the recovery path with thoughts turning to sustained long-term growth.

“In Lancashire, we have high quality fully-funded support options whatever situation your business is in. We urge business leaders to get in touch with Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth as your first port of call and discuss how Boost can help make 2021 a year of real change for your business.”

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Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. It is led by the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and Lancashire County Council and supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund and Lancashire County Council.

In addition to the core programmes, Boost can direct to over 75 partner support programmes across Lancashire including funding support, EU Exit expertise and innovation programmes.

Boost’s #AskForHelp campaign, which was launched as lockdown began last March supported more than 7,000 people in business across the county through telephone and online advice and support.

Boost’s programme manager Andrew Leeming said: “We have supported Lancashire business owners and managers throughout the coronavirus pandemic by offering expert advice and guiding them to funded support from around Lancashire whatever their situation.

“Although it’s a new year, many business owners and leaders are still struggling with the ongoing effects of the pandemic while others are now looking to the future and returning to sustained growth. Wherever you are on your recovery journey, Boost is here to support.”

Businesses can get in touch with Boost by calling 0800 488 0057, by emailing info@boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk or by visiting the Boost website.

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Will you be accessing any of the support available? Do you know someone who should? Let us know in the comments.