§ Mr. CollinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the availability of funds to Cumbria Business Link.[7525]
§ Nigel GriffithsBusiness Link Cumbria receives funding from the Small Business Service for the delivery of support services to small and medium-sized enterprises and those considering setting up in business in Cumbria. This financial year, Business Link Cumbria has available £1,456,274 for the delivery of a range of business support services, including support for high growth start-ups. Business Link Cumbria also receive resources to support farmers, including those directly affected by the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) under the Farm Business Advice Services. The North West Development Agency has also made available resources, via the Business Recovery Fund, to assist non-agricultural businesses who are experiencing difficulties as a result of FMD.
There are further sources of public funding which Business Link Cumbria may be able to access. These include European Structural Funds as well as funding from local authorities and other resources from the North West Development Agency. In addition, Business Link Cumbria can seek contributions towards service delivery from private sources.