Council launches Business Support Hub

Lancaster City Council has launched a new Business Support Hub as part of a £1million plan to sustain and strengthen the local economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The aim of the hub is to support businesses that need advice on how to combat the pressures they may have found themselves under in the last three months.

The support package is designed to be flexible and focus on individual requirements, which will be identified during an initial business review.

Elements of support could then include coaching and mentoring, help to access funding, advice on financial planning, support for digital developments, and small recovery and resilience grants for those not eligible for government assistance.

Councillor Tim Hamilton-Cox, cabinet member with responsibility for sustainable economic prosperity, said: “It looks as though the impact of coronavirus to businesses and on the local economy will be felt for years to come.

“Businesses will be looking intently at what they need to do to increase their chances of survival.

“We want to help, advise and support all businesses with whatever they may need, whether it’s enhanced digital knowledge, access to government grants, training and development for staff, education around safety and hygiene laws, or financial support.

“To provide this service we’ll be working hand-in-hand with many partner organisations - like Growth Lancashire - to ensure a wide-range of help and support is readily available.

”We are also in the early stages of developing a virtual high street to provide an online presence for local retailers, connecting them with shoppers and keeping money in the local economy.”

Other elements of support could include:

•       Environmental Health team visits re: re-opening advice and support
•       Business resilience and planning including re-opening advice
•       Coaching and mentoring
•       Product and service development, including new
•       Financial planning, accounts, cash flow, access to funding
•       Grant eligibility, including non Covid-19 specific
•       Sales
•       Marketing
•       Recruitment
•       Training & upskilling
•       Import & Export advice
•       Digital and online strategy
•       Human resource management and legal issues

To find out more and to book a business review email lccbusiness@lancaster.gov.uk or visit Lancaster.gov.uk/business.

Last updated: 08 July 2020