HUNDREDS of firms in East Lancashire are being asked to help shape the way millions of pounds could be spent in the area.

Business Link East Lancashire has sent out detailed questionnaires to firms asking them what help they could benefit from.

The move comes as the East Lancashire Partnership bids for £13 million of European funding to help small and medium sized businesses in the area.

"The decision on what happens to large chunks of this funding depends on what type of services local firms say they need," said Phil Burgess, chief executive of Business Link East Lancashire.

"We urgently need a consensus of opinion from the people that matter - local firms. If we keep focused on what they need and want we'll get the job done which will help them become more profitable."

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