A new organisation set up to support and help self-employed designers of Lancashire was launched with a networking event at the Chipping and District Memorial Hall.

More than 70 small art and craft businesses attended the networking event.

Made in Lancashire Art and Craft is a new organisation set up to support and help self-employed designers of Lancashire grow and develop their businesses by providing practical help and support.

From sales and marketing platforms for craft enterprises to showcase their products to business training and networking opportunities, the organisation will work directly with businesses to help them become more sustainable.

Project manager Fiona Haile explains: "There is a fantastic range of art and craft businesses in the region from ceramics, art, sculpture, pottery to garden making, jewellery and textiles.

"The number of established practitioners is growing as many entrepreneurs are choosing to leave the rat race and set up their own craft business using their creative skills.

"The organisation has been set up to help make established businesses more competitive and profitable by developing routes to markets; improving the capacity of the businesses and providing an online portal for showcasing products.

"We also provide help and advice on marketing and bespoke training in IT, finance, legal and accounting practices.

"We will also help those wanting to develop a rural art and craft business by giving advice and help on starting out."

The project is funded by the Lancashire Rural Recovery Action Plan.

For more information on Made in Lancashire Art and Craft, contact Fiona on 01995 642255