Keep it local

(Date of issue: Monday, 7 September 2009)

A new directory, listing around 1,500 local businesses, is now available.

Produced by Carlisle City Council, it is free and is designed to help Carlisle businesses to find local suppliers and for small local businesses to attract new customers.

It also contains information on support and advice from organisations such as the Cumbria Business Environment Network (CBEN), Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and Business Link Northwest.

The new Carlisle Business Directory is also available on a CDRom that can be loaded on to any personal computer or laptop.

Cllr Marilyn Bowman, Portfolio holder for Economy, said:

“At a time of difficult trading conditions it is important that, where possible, businesses can trade with other local businesses. The business directory is a way of encouraging this to happen.

“The Business Directory is just one of things that Carlisle City Council is doing to help businesses at the time of a recession. In addition to working very closely with Business Link to promote the help it can provide, the City Council has also provided £60,000 to support a new Business Start-up programme. This will provide intensive support to people thinking of starting a new business and those who have been trading for less than three years.”

For further information about the Business Directory and the Business Start Up programme, telephone 01228 817123 or email business@carlisle.gov.uk