The support is primarily for businesses in the visitor economy, retail and personal service businesses. Allerdale Borough Council identified these sectors as the worst hit over the longest period by the Covid pandemic.

Suzanne Caldwell, Chamber Managing Director said: “We’re delighted to be working with Allerdale Borough Council to provide this much needed support to businesses in the current crisis. Businesses in Allerdale can choose the option which most suits their particular needs. And as ever we’ll be coordinating it with the range of other support on offer so that businesses get the best package of support available to them.”

Councillor Mike Johnson, Deputy Leader of Allerdale Borough Council, said: "We have a real commitment to do whatever we can to support local businesses, especially during this crisis.”

Mike said: "Alongside the work we do directly with local businesses, I know that many organisations really benefit from getting the knowledge and expertise from bodies like the Chamber of Commerce.”

Allerdale businesses can choose from the two following support packages.

The first is free Cumbria Chamber of Commerce membership for businesses with up to 10 employees for one year, subsidised for companies with over 10 employees. This gives access to free 1-2-1 professional legal, HR and tax advice from dedicated professionals.

It includes help with redundancies and changes to working situations, and more. Businesses taking up the membership offer will also have access to a range of other member services as well as heavily discounted access to training courses.

Alternatively, businesses can opt for a choice of sector specific online workshops on a range of topics such as implementing forward strategies to survive, customer service challenges and opportunities and social media and online for your business. 1-2-1 advice will also be given to help businesses implement actions identified in the workshops.

The Chamber and Growth Hub will also link organisations with any other support available in line with their needs and interests.

Mike added: ”I’m really pleased we are able to support the Chamber's membership scheme and I encourage any business that is not a member to make use of the offer."

To access support, businesses can email info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk specifying which support option they’re interested in.

For more information visit the Growth Hub website here: https://cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/business-support/improving-your-business/allerdale-borough-council

Or the Chamber website here: https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/business-support/business-support