This section provides an introduction to business support
services available in the Copeland area. There is a short
introduction to each service and a more detailed service overview
can be found be clicking the relevant link.
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce
The Cumbria Chamber of Commerce
has secured funding to offer start-up support and advice to those
thinking of starting their own business in Copeland, including
social enterprises. Access is available to a business adviser
and there are also a range of business courses covering all aspects
of self employment. Support is available to help businesses
in their first three years of trading - whether they started with
help through the scheme or not.
Business Link North West
Business Link is a
free business advice and support service, available on-line and
through local advisors. The Business Link website has lots of
information and advice for businesses starting up and those that
are already up and running.
Invest in Cumbria
Invest in
Cumbria offers information and help for businesses considering
locating their business in the West Cumbria area.
Cumbria County Council
Cumbria
County Council is working closely with other agencies to
develop business opportunities and regeneration across the
County. They are actively working with a number of
regeneration agencies to offer support in creating an economic
recovery for both rural and urban areas of the county.
West Cumbria Development Agency
West Cumbria Development
Agency has been helping businesses in West Cumbria for over 25
years. They have a comprehensive programme for anyone wishing
to start their own business and the opportunity to apply for a
grant on production of a viable business plan, an advisory service
for small businesses, information on commercial properties,
corporate finance and seminars.
University of Cumbria
The University of
Cumbria works in partnership with agencies and local
authorities in West Cumbria to offer access to a range of services
to help businesses grow. A comprehensive list of these
services can be found on the University of Cumbria business support
page at www.cumbria.ac.uk/business
Ways into Successful Enterprise
The
Ways into Successful Enterprise team aim to provide a
friendly and positive service tailored to individual requirements
to help you on your way into self employment.
Millom Network Centre
Millom Network
Centre provides a range of facilities to support local
enterprise, start up businesses and existing businesses and also
assists businesses with the utilisation of ICT.
The Egremont and Area Regeneration Partnership
The Egremont and
Area Regeneration Partnership work to regenerate the Egremont
area and create a thriving economic base by helping to implement
basic skills training, stimulate entrepreneurship and support youth
engagement. The initiative also helps support the area's
tourism offer through public realm improvements in the town
centre.
Regeneration North East Copeland
Regen NE Copeland has
been set up to deliver a programme of economic regeneration and
support improved service delivery across the Cleator Moor area,
helping to develop the area and address social deprivation.
The partnership has taken a pioneering approach, as local parishes
are not only represented in the membership, but also contribute to
the Group pooling some of their resources to support area wide
development.
Phoenix Enterprise Centre
Free information, advice and guidance on learning and
work-employment, training and small business start up, business
centre learning and managed workspace.
Real Help Now
The 'Real Help Now' document (shown below) contains advice from
the Government on the range of measures it is offering to
businesses and individuals to help them through the economic
downturn. Please note, the information in the document has been
provided by the Government, not by Copeland Council.