Businesses in Pendle are being urged to apply for funding to support any upcoming projects which may boost jobs and improve productivity.

The £2m pot of money was originally set aside for manufacturers only through the Business Resilience and Growth Project.

The criteria to apply for a grant through the Nelson Town Deal has been expanded so that all sectors can now apply.

The project is one of seven within the £25 million Nelson Town Deal, designed to 'promote sustainable growth within the area, transform the town, and provide new opportunities for local people'.

Leader of Pendle Borough Council, Councillor Asjad Mahmood said: “It is encouraging that grant funding support is now being made available to a wider business audience within the town.

“We hope that many more businesses seek to benefit from the funding available and get in touch about their projects.”

Mike Williams, is Pendle Borough Council’s Tourism and Economic Development Officer and leads the Business Resilience and Growth Project.

He said: “It’s not too late to seek funding – we’ve broadened the eligibility criteria which means that the grants are now open to all sectors of businesses in Nelson.

“We’re keen to hear from any of the town’s businesses that have potential projects that could be supported.

“Grants can be used to part-fund machinery, carry out environmental improvements or fund premises adaptations.”

Chair of the Nelson Town Deal Board, Stephen Barnes added: “We have already seen a good number of businesses using the grant funding to future-proof their organisations.

“I look forward to hearing about further success stories within the town as more businesses come forward for support.”

To find out more email business.support@pendle.gov.uk or visit www.pendle.gov.uk/ntdgrants