Join Cumbria Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Westmorland & Furness Council to have your say on skills and employment support in Westmorland and Furness, as well as taking the opportunity to learn more about existing training and support offers. The Council are keen to hear from you on how they can design services that are tailored for the realities of running a business in Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland.
Government plans such as the Get Britain Working white paper hinge on more people returning to employment, and this also underpins local economic strategies. Labour market data also shows that people in Cumbria have proportionately lower levels of skills than elsewhere in the country, and research indicates that employer investment in training is declining.
We rely on employers to create opportunities for work experience, entry-level jobs and apprenticeships, and to continue to train and upskill their existing workers. But we know that this can be challenging in the current economic climate and with additional obligations for employers, for example, on workers' rights. Both the Chamber through our work on the Local Skills Improvement Plan and W&F Council are interested in your views, which will help us to develop plans that will 'square the circle'. Please join us for an open discussion, which will also include council members and senior leaders. There will also be short presentations from organisations offering support and training in the region including Adult Learning, the Chamber through the Local Skills Improvement Plan, Enterprising Cumbria, Inspira, PHX Training and Centre for Leadership Performance together with time to discuss your individual business needs.
You are welcome to attend one of the following sessions:
Wednesday 5th November
9.30am to 11am at Sunbeams Music Trust, Stoller House, Redhills, Penrith, CA11 0DT
Monday 10th November
9.30am to 11am at Shed One, The Old Calf Shed, North Lonsdale Road, Ulverston, LA12 9AU
Monday 24th November
9.30am to 11am at Ambleside Parish Centre, Vicarage Lane, Ambleside LA22 9DH
If you’d like to attend please email Lesley Robinson – lesleyr@cumbriachamber.co.uk confirming your preferred date and venue.
Your passport to international growth: International Trade Weeks starts soon
International Trade Week is next week! This is your chance to explore new markets, connect with trade experts, and gain the insights to help your business grow internationally.
This year’s programme takes you on a journey around the world, uncovering opportunities from North America to the Asia-Pacific region. Each event offers practical advice, in-market expertise and examples of how UK businesses are thriving overseas.
Doing Business in North America – 3 Nov
Get an overview of export opportunities and market entry strategies for the US and Canada, including insights into tariffs, the Economic Prosperity Partnership and support through the North America Exports Hub.
CPTPP Temporary Entry Benefits Under Vietnam’s New Framework – 4 Nov
Learn how Vietnam’s CPTPP framework is helping UK businesses access the region more easily.
Winning SME Opportunities in LATAC with the IDB – 4 Nov
Learn how UK SMEs can access IDB funding and contracts in LATAC.
UK and Brazil Economic Outlook – 6 Nov
Get insight into Brazil’s economy and where UK exporters can build long-term partnerships.
Unlocking Growth: Your EU Export Journey - 7 Nov
Discover how your business can expand into the EU, hear insights from successful UK Export Champions on navigating EU-market requirements.
