A SCHEME aimed at helping businesses in rural areas of Pendle has made its mark within its first year of operation.

The Growing Business project offers a year's free support to new and existing manufacturing, leisure, tourism and retail businesses in the borough as well as further afield in Keighley and Haworth.

Staff gathered at Pendle Training Group, Nelson, to mark the organisation's first anniversary. Over the past 12 months Growing Business has helped 42 businesses in Pendle, helped set up nine new ventures including a blacksmith, video producer/publisher and a credit union, and created 27 jobs.

Paul Hudson, project manager, said: "We do not offer off-the-shelf solutions. We deal with each business according to its needs and provide a wide range of support. Our approach is modelled on the mentor relationship."

The Nelson-based project has funding for another year although it is hoped it will continue until the end of next year.

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