A 12-month pilot project to help firms prosper in the Eden area has been launched by the district council.

Eden Business Assist is funded by the district council and is open to SMEs and start-ups across the area.

Businesses can speak to an advisor and help is available for common issues like marketing, finance, innovation and strategic planning.

Mary Robinson, deputy leader of the authority and commercial services portfolio holder, said: "Whether you’re a farmer looking at diversifying, a fledgling start-up or a business which employs dozens of workers, we want to help you develop and grow your business in Eden.”

The pilot scheme is delivered by the experts from Redkite Innovations.

Kyran Parker, of Redkite Innovations, said: “Over the next 12 months we will be giving one-to-one advice and support, alongside hosting local workshops, all with the aim of safeguarding and increasing the number of jobs in the district.

“We’re running an online survey so that businesses can let us know what type of support they would like to see from us, and if there are any particular problem areas.

"If we see some themes come out, we’ll be looking at delivering open trainings sessions on those topics within the next few months. So please, let us know your thoughts.”

Eden businesses can access the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8DXDHBQ – where they can share any of their training and advice requirements.

For further information on the Eden Business Assist Scheme, contact Kyran on 07982678017 or at register@redkiteinnovations.co.uk

The scheme is part of a range of economic programmes from the council, which also offers up to £2,000 for firms taking on an apprentice and a fund, which can offer loans of up to £200,000.