South Lakeland District Council

SLDC, working in partnership with Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency (CREA) Furness Enterprise (FE) and Kendal Futures to provide help and support for new and existing businesses throughout South Lakeland with an increased package of funding.   These initiatives are delivered directly by South Lakeland District Council and by local enterprise agencies:

SLDC Marketing Support Grants

SLDC are offering marketing grants to new and existing businesses across South Lakeland to help them with implementing marketing plans and undertaking new marketing activities.  Grants are available :-

• Up to £500 or 50% of the total project cost (whichever is the lesser).
• This may be increased if one or more new jobs are created to a maximum of £1,000

All applications will be considered on a first come first service basis and the production of costed Marketing Plans are essential.  Retrospective applications will not be considered.

Please contact Furness Enterprise (tel: 01229 820611) or Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency (tel: 01539 726624) who are managing these grants on behalf of SLDC. 

SLDC Marketing seminars 

CREA working on behalf of SLDC, are holding a number of FREE marketing seminars throughout the year to help businesses with new initiatives.    Please contact CREA for details.

Business Advice

As part of the Kendal Regeneration Action Plan, South Lakeland District Council has joined forces with Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency and Kendal Futures to provide free business advice and support to independent retailers.

CREA Business Advisor, Lynne Parkinson will be available every Tuesday at 32 Market Place in Kendal and can help businesses with:-

• Business advice
• Business planning
• Marketing plans
• Financial forecasts
• Assistance to complete grant applications
• Sign posting to other business support organisations
• Sign posting to relevant business training
• Provide assistance to produce business plans to support applications for grant and loan funding

To arrange an appointment please ring CREA Kendal Offices on 01539 726624.

SLDC Kendal Shop Front Improvement Scheme

 The Kendal Shop Front Improvement Scheme aims to invigorate and enhance the trading infrastructure and retail image of Kendal as a historical marketing town.

 The scheme will involve “Shop/Business/Enterprise Premise improvement grants to support front renovation and decoration, new signage, replacement of historical features including lighting.  The main objectives of the scheme:

• To improve business frontages including shops, commercial businesses and social enterprises and therefore enhance the visual appearance and appeal of the town to visitors, customers and the local population
• To emphasise and restore the physical history of premise frontages in the area
• Assist towards encouraging further inward investment
• Stimulate business and consider confidence
• To preserve and enhance the special characters of Kendal Conservation area, it’s listed buildings and other buildings of public importance. 

Grants are available of up to 50% of eligible costs.  The maximum amount of any grant is £2,000.  Grants will be made on a first come first served basis provided eligibility has been met.   Retrospective applications for works already undertaken will not be considered.

For full details of the scheme please contact Joanne Golton, Kendal Futures on 01539 717349. 

Online Vacant Commercial Land and Premises 

SLDC offer a free online commercial land and premises search covering the South Lakeland area.  To access please visit www.southlakeland.gov.uk/premises

 CREA provide support to all business in the east of the district up to Haverthwaite in the west of the district, Furness Enterprise provides support to businesses in the west of the district.

Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency can be contacted on: 01539 726624
Furness Enterprise can be contact on 01229 820611
SLDC can be contacted on: 01539 717392

www.southlakeland.gov.uk/business

Jacki Robinson Regeneration Officer South Lakeland District Council Tel: 01539 717392