Last updated at 12:43, Wednesday, 22 August 2012

Nearly £1 million is to be pumped into a Cumbrian business centre to help boost the rural economy.

Jim Paice, right, with Ben Shamesh, Graeme Sibson and Ray Patterson at Blencathra Business Centre

The news was announced by Mr Paice when he visited the Blencathra Business Centre in Threlkeld, near Keswick, during the second stage of his visit.

Britain’s Energy Coast, which owns the centre, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, have contributed £400,000 each to help build eight new work premises at the centre.

Entrepreneurs will have new work space to start up their companies and jobs will be created as businesses get the support to grow.

Businesses will be entitled to a variety of services at the centre including one-to-one business advice, online training, networking opportunities and access to superfast broadband.

Mr Paice said: “There is a delightful range of businesses here.

“There is demand and I am delighted that part of the funding will be used to create eight more units.”

About 900 jobs and almost 500 new businesses are expected to be created in Cumbria following a £3.5 million investment in a Rural Growth Network.

Cumbria is one of five regions to benefit from a Rural Growth Network, set up by the Government to help rural areas overcome barriers to economic growth such as a shortage of business premises and poor broadband access.

Ray Patterson, inward investment manager for Britain’s Energy Coast and the manager of the centre, said he expected development at the 857sqm extension to the centre to begin next year.

There are currently 24 units at the Blencathra centre, with 18 businesses employing 82 people and a combined turnover of more than £6 million.

There are a number of different businesses at the centre including a photographers, joiners and a dessert makers, called Classic Desserts.

Ben Shamash, senior manager of Classic Desserts, said: “It’s a very exciting announcement. It will help the growing ambitions of the company going forward.”

First published at 11:24, Wednesday, 22 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk