OLD Business support and advice : Cumbria County Council

Cumbria County Council supports various initiatives to sustain Cumbrian business and contribute to wealth creation in Cumbria. We do this by assisting key growth sectors, managing Made in Cumbria and delivering grant funding for social enterprises, as well as leading the Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership. We also encourage inward investment in the county through our wholly owned subsidiary, Invest in Cumbria. The Council also stimulates rural development in Cumbria through the Rural Development Programme for England.

The Council recognises and responds to the changing national and sub regional delivery mechanisms. The Business Support Simplification Programme aims to ensure that government support for business is coherent, coordinated and consistent. The primary access route for individuals seeking support is through Business Link – the Government’s free business advice services. Business Link is the first port of call for information and introduction to specialist expertise from the private, public and voluntary sectors. Any business or individual contacting Business Link for advice – be it via phone, face-to-face or web – will receive personalised, targeted, useful support.