DEVELOPMENT agency Furness Enterprise is the first choice for companies seeking business support in the area, according to an independent survey.

Around 40 per cent of firms questioned in the survey had used Furness Enterprise in the past 12 months, while 21 per cent had used Business Link and 12 per cent had used the DTI.

Commenting on the findings, Furness Enterprise chief executive Harry Knowles said the agency was pleased that it remained first choice for business support.

"We are focused on delivering high quality

support services to businesses of all sizes to help them prosper.

"Companies who were called by the survey said that our top four priorities should be to help them with grants and finance information, attracting new companies into Furness, offering advice on training and marketing support."