The scheme promises three months of dedicated support for business owners to help them thrive - which in turn should create more opportunities and employment in the area.

Open to small businesses operating in Peterborough and its surrounding area, the programme welcomes enterprises of all kinds and all ages.

Whether you are a start-up florist or an established cafe, free support - including workshops, mentoring, specialist advice and peer-to-peer support - can be accessed.

A spokesperson for Allia Future Business Centre said: "We’ve been running our Grow Your Business programme in East London for over three years, and in that time have supported over 300 businesses in Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham and Waltham Forest.

"We launched this programme in Peterborough at the start of 2021 and have already supported some wonderful founders from local businesses like Very Craftea, Oakland Jewellery and Angle Escape."

Applications will be taken until July 31 with the programme due to start in August.

Although the centre is Covid-secure and operating in accordance with government guidelines to minimise risk to staff and visitors, it is expected that the sessions will take place virtually until all current restrictions are lifted.

Contact Allia Future Business Centre at hello@futurebusinesscentre.co.uk or visit the website for more information.