FORMER trade minister Lord Digby Jones will officially open the University of Cumbria’s Rural Growth Hub.

The centre at the university’s Ambleside campus has been created to support small business across a range of sectors and offers a variety of resources and support packages.

Lord Jones will open the Rural Growth Hub on Tuesday, April 22.

Lord Jones said: “The hub will stimulate co-working and collaboration, to the benefit of local businesses and budding student and graduate entrepreneurs.

“Small business growth is critical to the modern economy and regional growth; the partnership between business and education, and the ability to share ideas, be creative and collaborate are important ingredients for success.”

The Rural Growth Hub comprises of two buildings, The Beehive and Low Nook, which have been fully refurbished as part of a major redevelopment project at the Ambleside campus.

Resources include free wi-fi, video conferencing facilities, a virtual reception, access to office space, hot-desking and high quality workshop facilities.