SEVEN thousand jobs have been created or safeguarded in Cumbria over the last five years by an organisation that helps unlock the full potential of a business.

The statistic is revealed in a positive 34-page report charting the progress and achievements of Cumbria Business Growth Hub since 2012.

Established and run by Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, the one-stop business advice service has worked with 6,800 enterprises to add £280m gross value added to the county’s economy.

Suzanne Caldwell, the chamber’s deputy chief executive, said: “We set up the growth hub after the national business support network, Business Link, was wound up.

“We identified a gap and moved to fill it, with further support delivered by partners. It’s fair to say the growth hub’s performance has exceeded expectations.”

Another growth hub was set up by Greater Manchester Chamber at the same time. The two were so successful that the Government adopted the model as a blueprint for business support and rolled out growth hubs across the country.

Cumbria Business Growth Hub can call on 60 advisers – all experienced business people in their own right – who offer one-to-one support, advice and mentoring.

And its newly-upgraded website – www.cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk – offers information for businesses on start-ups, marketing, sales, productivity, product development, exports, acquisitions, sourcing finance, sustainability and employing staff.

The website’s supply chain gateway helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to win contracts with large companies such as BAE Systems, Booths, Innovia and Pirelli.

The growth hub also delivers programmes on behalf of government and European funders. These include BSUS for start-ups and New Enterprise Allowance, which helps unemployed job seekers to go into business.

Cumbria Forum is a management development programme run in partnership with Lancaster University Management School.

And the subsidy scheme helps SMEs to defray up to 40 per cent of the costs of buying-in consultancy services.

Suzanne added: “Thanks to funding put in by the chamber and our partners, most of our services and advice are free.

“I’d urge any business in Cumbria to take a look at our website and get in touch. It’s very likely we’ll be able to assist you, whatever your business sector.”