A MULTI-MILLION pound investment programme designed to help East Lancashire businesses has been unveiled.

The East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce is set to launch the Lancashire Business Growth Fund later this month at a series of events.

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The breakfast meetings will showcase the new £8 million scheme and international trade support package to heads of companies and local MPs amongst others.

The programme will support the region’s businesses who are looking to invest in property, including acquisition, improvement and expansion, and plant, machinery and infrastructure.

It could provide up to a 20 per cent grant of a total project cost with a minimum grant of £10,000.

Business leaders will meet on Wednesday, July 15, and Wednesday, August 19, at the chamber’s offices in Clayton Business Park and the Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel in Samlesbury respectively to help launch the scheme.

Mike Damms, the chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I’m grateful to the government for recognising that manufacturing in this area deserves support.

“It’s encouraging that we have got quite a lot of interest from companies that want to expand the create jobs.

“This scheme is to help businesses create and bring forward investment opportunities. Some of the money will also be put towards international trade so it will help companies export overseas which is important.

“It’s playing to East Lancashire’s strengths.

“This scheme will hopefully have a big impact on the manufacturing sector in this region.”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “I think that this is fantastic news for the local area.

“I know a number of Pendle companies that will be vert interested in this programme and will be looking forward to seeing the details.

“It’s a real boost for the booming East Lancashire and lots of companies will be eager to get their applications submitted.

“It’s a real vote of confidence in the business community and could lead to businesses expanding and creating more jobs.

“It’s a win-win for the area.”

The meetings to help launch the programme will include a presentation which includes an overview, case studies and video testimonials.

There will also be a chance to network and have one-to-one discussions on specific cases with project officers.