FOR NORTH WEST ENGLAND BASED BUSINESSES

The NWDA are funding a number of programmes to help businesses in the region increase their turnover, profitability and create more jobs.

1) LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT

Frank has been approved through Business Link North West to provide leadership and management development and training for companies who want to take part in this programme. If your company has between 5 and 999 full-time equivalent employees, you can apply.

Each company can receive a grant of up to £1,000 per person, up to a maximum grant of £7,000 per firm.

The first £500 of grant does not require matching funding. To obtain the second £500 grant, the company has to contribute £500 for each participant. So, for each owner / director / key person there is £1,500 funding available to improve your skills and those of your staff.

2) BUSINESS VOLUNTEER MENTORING

Businesses should have been operating for at least 12 months and have a turnover of less than £2million, with a desire and capacity to expand. The opportunity is free to the selected businesses.

This confidential one-to-one mentoring role is very well monitored and reviewed by the Providing Organisation so that the clients can be sure to achieve significant benefits. Commercial business clients and not-for-profit organisations are welcome to apply.

In each of the 5 sub-regions of the North West, the chosen co-ordinating companies run initial selection processes followed by separate induction days for clients and mentors. The co-ordinators match up clients with appropriate mentors.

In Cumbria the contact is Jo Hampson at the Rural Enterprise Agency (C.R.E.A.). Her email is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; telephone (UK) 01931 716638.