The right support for a changing business landscape

By Janet Doolan, Boost

12 Jul 2021

Since March 2020, Lancashire business owners and managers have rallied together like never before to support each other, remain resilient and return their firms to growth.

The Lancashire business community has evolved immeasurably as a result of Covid-19, so what are the current key challenges and opportunities for business leaders and which types of support can they receive?

1. Digital future

Video conferencing is now a key part of business communication and digital channels such as social media are playing a greater role in marketing and sales, with people spending a greater proportion of their day online.

Boost is seeing a rise in the amount of businesses looking for support to implement and maximise their use of digital technologies and accessing the wealth of programmes and knowledge available.

2. A unique position

Different sectors are at very different stages of their Covid-19 recovery. While hospitality and events-facing industries are reopening after months of shutdown, manufacturing and engineering firms have faced different challenges.

Some have been able to trade through the disruptions while others may have even pivoted their business to support the global defence against the pandemic. Brexit is also creating added supply issues for those exporting and importing goods.

Business leaders are asking for support to help manage this transition. Fully funded mentoring is just one of the support options available in Lancashire. Business leaders can access bespoke expert support to help with all stages of recovery and key challenges such as changing international markets.

3. Startup story

New businesses are being created every day in Lancashire as entrepreneurs see opportunities in the post Covid-19 Lancashire economy.

New companies start with a great idea, but entrepreneurs often need some support on the parts of the business which help the idea to grow: finance, marketing, sales and developing a strategy for growth.

Tailored support is available to give them the knowledge to help their business succeed.

4. The F word

For both new and established businesses, funding remains a key topic. Boost can direct businesses to a wealth of funding options, including private sector partners, local authority funds and specific support to help companies recover from Covid-19.

Our Access to Finance service can also help Lancashire business leaders understand and prepare for receiving finance to support their company’s growth.

But business support isn’t always about finance. Boost can help you develop a strategy so you know whether or not you need funding and in what form. Let us work with you by starting a growth conversation.

5. A wealth of funded business support programmes

More people than ever are reviewing their business strategies.

There are more than 70 different funded programmes available in Lancashire in addition to private sector support. Boost can help business owners and managers navigate the business support landscape in Lancashire and access the right support at the right time.

It starts with a conversation. Give our business relationship managers a call to advise you on the right support for your company.

  • To read this feature in full and access further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View magazine or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Janet Doolan, Boost

Latest news

1

PM urged not to retaliate over tariffs Manufacturing

PM urged not to retaliate over tariffs

03 Apr 2025

2

CMAC Group appoints Matthew Ratcliffe as chief operating officer Matthew Ratcliffe CMAC

CMAC Group appoints Matthew Ratcliffe as chief operating officer

03 Apr 2025

3

For sale signs at The Villa Villa Wrea Green has been brought to market (Image credit: The Villa Wrea Green)

For sale signs at The Villa

02 Apr 2025

4

Montane group expands with new Lancashire hub Anthony Rae Scott Murcott And Adam Lee

Montane group expands with new Lancashire hub

02 Apr 2025

5

Trio of wins for Lancaster brand and digital consultancy Tom Grattan MD and Daniel Wallace

Trio of wins for Lancaster brand and digital consultancy

02 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Lancashire Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880395853-4862066883-1-original.20241022-091152-2.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
04 Apr 2025 - 04 Apr 2025

Lancashire Business Expo 2025

Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
24 Apr 2025 - 24 Apr 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships
30478 Skills Bootcamp open day setting.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

14:30 - 15:30

Celebrating 50 years of KTP
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Celebrating 50 years of KTP

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

16:00 - 18:00

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase
13421_research_knowledge_exchange_2025_600x300.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
07 May 2025 - 08 May 2025

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin