A £10 MILLION fund to help local businesses with cash injections has been launched.

Investments of between £100,000 and £600,000 are being made available to up to 30 businesses.

The fund is supported by United Utilities, parent company of North West Water and Norweb, Lancashire County Council Superannuation Fund, European money and other backers.

Chief executive Brian Staples said: "As the UK's first major utility, and one of the North West's leading companies, it is fitting that United Utilities should be the major sponsor of this fund.

"It will provide finance for growing companies and help to create jobs in the region."

The United Utilities Venture Fund, which will have a ten-year life, will aim to help new and existing business in the area but also support companies looking to relocate into parts of the North West.

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