A KEIGHLEY support agency is reassuring businesses that backing is still available.

Airedale Enterprise Services (AES) has issued a 'business as usual' message after many firms feared the worst in the wake of the Government's autumn statement.

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne sparked anxiety among some when he cut funding for the Business Growth Service, winding-up with immediate effect the Manufacturing Advisory Service and Growth Accelerator programme.

But Wendy Spencer, of AES, says help is still at hand for small and medium-sized enterprises wanting to launch or grow their business.

She added: "We've been delivering all sorts of funding programmes alongside our own since we started in 1983.

"Funding comes and goes – it's the nature of government – and while this latest news has been a blow to some, there are still many opportunities available to small business owners to access support and funding.

"There is funding available through Virgin Start-Up loans and other initiatives which we help businesses to access in conjunction with the Local Enterprise Partnership for this area, which stretches across much of West and North Yorkshire.

"We have a range of skilled in-house business advisors on hand and bring in specialist experts to deliver affordable training in key subjects, from social media and PR through to finance and ISO accreditation.

"Whatever level your business is at, there is still plenty of support available and we urge business owners to be reassured that the end of the Growth Accelerator and Manufacturing Advisory Service is a case of 'one door closing' rather than a serious blow for business owners in the region."

AES this year moved from its former base in Lawkholme Lane to bigger premises at Crown Works Business Centre in Sunderland Street, Keighley.

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins performed the opening ceremony in September.

"The future success of the Keighley economy is dependent on the success of local business, with AES at the helm," he said.

The organisation provides coaching, training, office space and help obtaining financial support for start-up and growth.

Also, a new business club is being launched for the Aire, Worth and Wharfe valleys.

The AWWEsome Business Club, which starts next month, will provide a range of support services to members and promote networking.

Visit airedaleenterprise.org.uk for more details about AES.