CN Group to help hand out £4m of Government cash to businesses

Independent regional publisher CN Group will help distribute millions of pounds to local businesses as part of the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

Small and medium-sized businesses in Cumbria have a chance to apply for money from a £4m cash pot after the newspaper group was made one for four partners, led by the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, to successfully bid for the funding.

The LEP, and its partners Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and CN Group, publishers of The Cumberland News, The News & Star, North West Evening Mail and in-Cumbria, will distribute the money under the banner “Unleashing Cumbria's Potential”.

David Helliwell, deputy publisher with CN Group, said: “Smaller businesses are the lifeblood of local communities, providing products, services and jobs and putting money into the local economy.

“Through no fault of their own, many struggle to get the added financial help that allows them to meet their potential. We are delighted to be involved with this scheme which we believe could be a real lifeline to enterprising businesses of all sizes, operating in all kinds of markets.''

In October, Newcastle daily The Journal was praised after it successfully led a campaign to secure £30m to help North East companies expand via the Regional Growth Fund.

And in April 2011 the Liverpool Echo and the Western Morning News were among 50 successful bidders for the £1.4bn fund.