North West Supporting Bodies

Websites and agencies supporting the third sector in Lancashire and the North West

Lancashire VCFS Consortium

Lancashire VCFS Consortium supports 3rd sector organisations in Lancashire. With the support of ChangeUp a number of services and activities have been developed to capacity build the sector.

Details at Website: http://vcfs.org.uk/bulletin

Business Link Lancashire

Business Link is an easy to use business support, advice and information service funded by government and managed in the North West by the Northwest Regional Development Agency. We are dedicated to helping your business develop and progress by ensuring that you can quickly and easily access the advice, information and skills needed to succeed from the broadest range of private, public and voluntary business support services. Website: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk

New Economic Foundation

nef is an independent think-and-do tank. We aim to improve quality of life by promoting innovative solutions that challenge mainstream thinking on economic, environment and social issues. We work in partnership and put people and the planet first. what we do nef works on specific project areas through practical pilots and tools for change, in-depth research, campaigning, policy discussion nef works with all sections of society in the UK and internationally - civil society, government, individuals, businesses and academia - to create more understanding and strategies for change. Website: www.neweconomics.org

North West Network

Provides a comprehensive package of support measures to the region's voluntary and community sector. Website http://www.nwnetwork.org.uk

Lancaster University Management School

Institute for Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development

Lancaster University has ERDF and support funding to provide advice and support for businesses. The Institute's business support activity is focused upon the North West's small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) - both private sector and social enterprises. Current programmes cover marketing, human resources and processes, leadership development, seminars, student placement projects.

To find out how you could benefit call 01524 510709 or Website: http://www.lums.lancs.ac.uk/Departments/Entrep/Projects/

IntoEnterprise

IntoEnterprise provides a special programme of support to new small to medium enterprises trading in the key target locations. The programme is designed to be fully inclusive and anyone can register for the project. The project is supported by Supported by the European Regional Development Fund and the North West Development Agency. Eligible areas: East Lancashire - Blackpool - Carlisle - Lancaster - Morecambe - Barrow

Website: http://www.intoenterprise.co.uk