The Business Barometer 2024 

The latest edition of this annual report published by The Open University, in partnership with the BCC, has found that longstanding skill challenges remain which are hampering organisations in a number of ways. 

A UK-wide employer survey of more than 1,300 employers, found that 62% of organisations are currently facing skills shortages. While this is down from 73% in 2023, the ongoing impacts are widespread. 

• 64% say they are not confident about applying new AI and green technologies 

• 68% of organisation with shortages acknowledge this increases workload on existing staff 

To download the full report click here  

New Invest in Westmorland and Furness website  

As part of the Council’s Invest in Westmorland and Furness programme supporting the business community, Westmorland & Furness Council have recently launched a new look website -bringing all business information together.  

The website contains up-to-date information on business support and advice, skills and training, current investments, and available land and premises, all of which make this online resource for existing businesses and those looking to invest, grow or relocate here. 

Flexible AI Upskilling Pilot 

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has launched a pilot scheme for the Flexible AI Upskilling Fund. This scheme will subsidise the cost of AI skills training for SMEs in the professional business services sector. 

£6.4 million of grant funding is available in the 2024-25 financial year. Eligible businesses can apply for funding for up to 50% of the cost of the AI skills training. This is training which supports employees to develop their technical skills and/or understanding to develop, deploy or use AI in the role. 

The application window closes on Sunday 18th August – click here to find out more 

Updated apprenticeship funding rules 

The Education and Skills Funding Agency has published updated apprenticeship funding rules that will come into effect from 1 August 2024. The updated rules set out the requirements and guidelines for employers and training providers involved in delivering apprenticeships in England. 

Read more about the changes here

Unlocking Global Markets: Mastering International Trade and E-commerce webinar on 16th July 

Are you ready to expand your business beyond the UK’s borders? Dive into the dynamic world of international trade and e-commerce with our expert-led webinar designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge to succeed in the global marketplace. Discover how to leverage e-commerce to reach international customers, understand the latest trends and opportunities in international trade and get your questions answered by BCC’s panel of experts.  

You can find out more and register here 

New tip legislation will impact hospitality sector 

The financial impact of new legislation on tips, which is due to come into effect from October 2024, could force some hospitality businesses to close. Around 83% of hospitality businesses expect to incur costs of at least £12,000 a year to comply with the new Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023. The Act will require hospitality businesses to distribute 100% of customer tips and service charges to their staff. 

Read more about the financial impact here

Funding for community radio stations 

The first round of the Community Radio Fund 2024-25 is open for applications. Grants can be used to cover the core costs of running Ofcom-licensed community radio stations in the UK. Core costs include management, administration, community outreach, volunteer support and fundraising costs. 

Read more about the fund here

Together for Good UK 

Together For Good is a platform designed to connect non-profit organisations with businesses and volunteers in our local communities in West Cumberland and Warrington.  

Sellafield Ltd and its suppliers are committed to building more resilient and thriving communities and this platform will help to maximise the use of volunteers and enable businesses to monitor their impact.  

If you are a business not linked to Sellafield, you can still have an account, it is not restricted. The only restriction is where the volunteering opportunities are.  

Find out more including current volunteering opportunities click here  

Powering Our Communities Fund 

Applications are open for Electricity North West’s Powering Our Communities Fund. You can secure grants of between £5,000 to £15,000 to support local energy projects.  

The deadline of 5pm on Friday 26th July is fast approaching – click here to find out more 

Could your idea transform the dairy sector? 

You can now apply for up to £10,000 to put your ideas on improving and growing the dairy sector into reality. 

Through Digital Dairy Chain, the deadline for the seventh round of Innovation Vouchers is 15th August. 

Innovation Brokers are on hand to work alongside any business involved in the dairy supply chain: 

• Farmer 

• Processor 

• Cheesemaker 

• Ice-cream maker 

• Haulier 

More details can be found here  

New short course for upland farmers, land managers, advisers and new entrants 

University of Cumbria is offering a part-time short course ‘Upland Farming for Net Zero’ delivered in partnership with Farm Carbon Toolkit. Across 5 weeks from 9th September 2024. 

Free places are available (subject to eligibility) with up to 12 full bursaries (subject to eligibility) are offered by Foundation for Common Land via their Our Upland Commons project. 

The course is running at the University’s Ambleside campus, at upland farms across the county and online. 

Apply by 31st July here  

Forecasting Award for BCC Insights Unit 

The BCC Insights Unit has recently been named best forecaster for the UK GDP in the 2024 FocusEconomics Analyst Forecast Awards. The awards celebrate the work of over 1,500 economists from organisations around the world. 

After decades of providing respected economic analysis and data, 12 months ago BCC formalised their offer through the establishments of the Insights Unit. Now the Unit has been recognised for the quality of its economic forecasting. 

New AI and Digital Hub for UK Innovators 

The Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF) has launched a new AI and Digital Hub where innovators can access practical, free and informal advice on their product, service or business model from four regulators in one place. 

The hub aims to increase innovators’ confidence and help them understand regulatory requirements and is open to organisations of any size that meet the eligibility criteria. 

The hub can help innovators through: 

• Regulatory clarification on applicable regulatory frameworks 

• Helping innovators understand regulation 

• Saving time and money on regulatory questions 

• Offering a single point of access to engage regulators 

• Providing prompt responses for successful applicants 

The DRCF wants to know more about the current issues impacting innovators developing a new AI or digital product, service or business model, and how it can help.  

To find out more click here