NORTH West Development Agency (NWDA) boss Steven Broomhead met new Business Secretary Vince Cable as the future of the organisation hangs in the balance.

Supporters say the NWDA provides invaluable support to businesses, through grants and advice.

But critics, including some in the Conservative party, have said it is an expensive quango which could be replaced.

Mr Cable was shown around North West businesses by Mr Broomhead as the case was put for keeping the NWDA.

Bosses at the organisation say it helps close the economic inbalance between leading city regions and areas like East Lancashire.

Mr Broomhead said: “I am confident there will still be an NWDA. It seems as if the private sector needs it.”