FIVE million pounds is being put on the table to help develop business premises in Cumbria.

For firms across the county with ambitious growth plans, the money offers a new opportunity to develop and expand premises or move to a larger workspace.

The cash from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is designed to increase the creation, renovation or expansion of commercial premises to improve the supply of high-quality business locations.

Corinne Watson of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership said: "This ERDF round of funding is ideal for businesses who want to make that all-important jump in performance, productivity and turnover, but need a bit of additional investment support to expand their premises, take on new staff and increase their production capacity."

She added: "We are seeking applications which will directly contribute to the delivery of new or refurbished business premises. It is also critical to ensure that newly created and micro-businesses can access incubator and grow-on business space which matches their individual growth ambitions."

To find out more, visit https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/NXOOBHYx79WIl or email Corinne Watson on corinne.watson@cumbria.gov.uk