A new programme is due to be launched to help businesses develop in Furness.

The Be The Business leadership and management development pilot programme is being delivered by business consultants RTC North on behalf of BTB, an independent, not-for-profit movement established to help UK firms improve their performance.

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership is working with them to help ensure it achieves its aim of providing a boost to the economy in Furness.

Jo Lappin, LEP chief executive, said: “This is a peer-supported programme that will feature four exemplar companies, each hosting a workshop offering guidance and advice on specific aspects of business to other businesses in their area.

"CLEP recognises that learning together and from each other is highly valuable and really does benefit all of those involved. Places are limited so we would really like companies to come forward as soon as possible.”

The organisers say they are keen to hear from leaders in companies which would be prepared to host workshops, as well as those who feel they would benefit from the pilot, which is due to launch in April.

The course will include an initial benchmarking survey and business diagnostic, workshops with peers at a similar stage of business development hosted by "exemplar businesses", ongoing face-to-face coaching and access to discussions through informal networking and on-line discussion forums.

The pilot will involve an initial diagnostic and follow-up workshop, with the diagnostic repeated after a year to assess the difference it has made to the businesses involved.

Any businesses interested in taking part should contact CLEP head of business and innovation Miranda Kirschel.

The programme is aimed at businesses with 10 to 50 employees.

It will involve a time commitment of four days for attendance at the workshops.