ENTREPRENEURS in South Lakeland are being held back by a shortage of suitable premises and appropriate business support, according to new research.

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) launched a survey last month to gain a snapshot of the needs of people wanting to start a business.

The findings will be used to support a bid to the North West Development Agency for cash to help fund so-called incubator units and managed workspace in the area for new businesses.

Thirty six per cent of people responding said they wanted to start a business in a self-contained office, with some basic services on site.

And thirty per cent of existing businesses said they wanted to expand but faced various constraints, such as help to raise finance.

George Inchmore, chairman of the FSB in South Lakeland, commented: "We've found from the survey forms returned so far that the lack of suitable premises restricts business growth.

"We need to sustain growth to bring new, higher income jobs to the area which will help to retain our young people. In the last ten years, 32.3 per cent of our young people aged between 20 and 24 have left the area."

Derek Armstrong, South Lakeland co-ordinator for the Chamber, said: "We will be passing contacts forward to our partners in the Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency, Business Link for Cumbria, the local high street banks and other organisations active in fund-raising, so that these entrepreneurs can receive the help they need in making their ideas a success."

Meanwhile, the Chamber's Kendal business affinity group still wants people to continue returning the survey forms, which can be sent to: Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Town Centre Office, 32 Market Place, Kendal, LA9 4TN.

May 22, 2003 13:00