One of Cumbria's largest business organisations has set up a task force to help its members with coronavirus.

Directors of Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster, which has more than 300 members, have met to discuss how the virus and government advice regarding restrictions of movement and self-isolation could affect businesses.

The cluster had already decided to postpone its AGM, which was due to be held on April 1 and has created pages on its website to help firms, including government advice and contact details of agencies and organisations which are there to help businesses during the pandemic.

Ivan Baldwin, chair of Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster, said: “Although we are in unprecedented times with this pandemic, the business cluster is aware of its responsibility both in commercial and humanitarian terms.

"Consequently, we have set up a task force to address all aspects of the ongoing situation, however long it takes.

"As well as signposting and recommending members to seek professional advice where appropriate, we are looking at putting on a number of webinars and other workshops utilising web-enabled contact mechanisms.

"In addition, and when appropriate, we will encourage more meetings with smaller groups to share experiences and how the ecosystem within the cluster can champion and stimulate increasing levels of cash flowing through the supply chain.

"We need to ensure that we behave as a board in a responsible and professional way to manage expectations and to ensure that we provide as much information that members need to function, even at a reduced level.

"That is why we will continue to reach out as much as we prudently can to help our members as they face business challenges.

"There are many companies within our membership employing in totality thousands of people, but we need to be aware that this pandemic affects so many people, directly and indirectly.

"This is why we have that responsibility to do as much as we can to assist member companies and individuals alike, particularly those in vulnerable groups where we can specifically marshal resources to target needs."