Statement from Cumbria Chamber of Commerce in relation to Carlisle BID
It appears that there are challenges around the Carlisle BID, and rumours circulating around our involvement. So we feel we must make our position clear.
While we were part of the initial Steering Group, we are not currently part of the Board.
In the run up to the vote we encouraged businesses to vote in the BID ballot, regardless of their voting preference. Our priority throughout was seeking strong engagement with the business community and for businesses to have their voices heard and views counted.
We sincerely hope that the BID will prove to be the great opportunity it should be to help Carlisle flourish, and are keen to support that.
However, we have had, and continue to have, concerns. Related to this, prior to the vote, we made clear to the BID Steering Group that we could not support the BID if there was not a commitment to open, transparent and fair procurement of all services. This includes business support but also the range of other services required by the BID. We are not currently in receipt of any funding to deliver business support for the BID, but do intend to bid when an opportunity arises.
We have also been clear that the BID must at all times demonstrate good governance
Heating Oil Support fund launched
A new fund to support eligible households who are struggling with the cost of heating oil has been launched in Cumberland.
The price of kerosene – the fuel used for heating oil - has been especially affected by the recent conflict in the Middle East and has risen faster than other fuels such as petrol and gas.
The Government recently announced a targeted support package for low-income families which is to be distributed by local councils.
Cumberland Council can now confirm that its Heating Oil Support Fund is open for applications from eligible low income households who use heating oil as their primary source of heating. Cumberland’s share of the national support package is £370,000.
Households in Cumberland who are experiencing financial hardship linked to heating affordability, and whose primary source of heating is oil, may be eligible for support if you meet one or more of the following criteria, in that they receive:
Eligible households will receive a single one-off payment of £400, and it is anticipated that Cumberland’s allocation would therefore support around 900 households.
Read more and apply here
Olympic champion Sir Bradley Wiggins to headline Cumbria Pavilion at UKREiiF
Olympic champion Sir Bradley Wiggins will lead Cumbria’s presence at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) this May.
Britain’s first Tour de France winner will be there to help shine a national spotlight on the county’s growth ambitions and major investment opportunities.
Wiggins will appear as part of the three day programme at the Cumbria Pavilion in Leeds from 19 - 21 May 2026. He will take part in a themed networking reception and a special Q&A exploring how world class sporting events can boost places, communities and tourism. The cyclist’s involvement also builds excitement for the Tour de France Grand Départ coming to Cumbria in 2027, when the county will host two stages of the world famous race.
Read more here
New Programme - Barclays Eagle Labs and Adobe: Insight to Impact
Barclays Eagle Labs has launched a new programme alongside Adobe, designed specifically for founders looking to sharpen their strategy, strengthen their brand, and communicate their story with confidence
Barclays Eagle Labs and Adobe: Insight to Impact is a free, 4-part webinar programme that helps founders turn ideas into viable, communicable businesses using Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Express. Each session mirrors a real stage of the founder journey - from making sense of your market and building a brand that resonates, to crafting a standout pitch, and showing up consistently in the market. For more information, please visit the Barclays Eagle Labs website here
Food Cumberland Big Local Lunch 2026
Do you fancy taking part in the Big Lunch - the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours and communities, which sees millions of people coming together for a few hours of friendship, food and fun?
Food Cumberland partnership is providing grants of up to £200 per project for groups across the Cumberland area to host events e.g.
- as part of the Big Local Lunch 5-8th June
- Open Farm Sunday on 7th June
- Great big Green Week 6th – 14th June
Some ideas for funds include:
You can find out more and apply here
Funding to support diverse social entrepreneurs
Social investment intermediaries that support Black and ethnic minorities-led social enterprises in England can apply for investment from a £5.5 million funding pot. The Pathway Fund will provide grant capital for blended finance structures and programmes to support Black and ethnic minority social entrepreneurs to access social investment. The first wave of funding will be available in London and the South East, the North West, the South West and Yorkshire and the Humber.
Read more about the fund here
Search Begins for Cumbria's Inclusion Champions as Diverse Cumbria Awards Open for Nominations
From accessible hiking groups to inclusive wheelchair rugby teams, the stories of people breaking down barriers across Cumbria will once again be celebrated as nominations open for the 2026 Diverse Cumbria Awards.
The awards recognise individuals, organisations and community groups working to improve equality, diversity and inclusion across the county, celebrating the people whose efforts often transform lives but rarely receive public recognition. Nominations are free to submit at diversecumbriaawards.co.uk/nominations, and every shortlisted finalist receives a complimentary ticket to attend the awards evening. It is a deliberate part of how the programme works: recognition should not depend on how much money you have to spend.
This year the Awards have the support of both Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Councils who have become the Principal Public Partners of the Diverse Cumbria Awards 2026.
Last year's awards saw over 200 nominations submitted from across Cumbria, shining a light on work happening in communities, businesses, sports clubs and charities across the region.
Nominations for the 2026 Diverse Cumbria Awards close on 15th July. Submitting a nomination is free.
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Saturday, 26th September 2026 at Carlisle Racecourse.
Game Changers Technology Talks
Game Changers Technology Talk webinars are aimed at anyone who is interested in technical innovation in the nuclear industry, learning about cutting-edge research developments and understanding how the Game Changers programme helps solve challenges that can’t be met with off-the-shelf solutions.
The next Game Changers Technology Talks session will take place on Wednesday 22nd April 2026 at 12noon.
April's session will feature the following talk:
Development and Deployment of Smart Sensor Technologies for Enhanced Monitoring within an SNM Facility
Speaker: Edward MacNeil (Technical Advisor, Sellafield Ltd)
This Tech Talk features Edward MacNeil from Sellafield Ltd presenting the development and deployment of next-generation smart sensor technologies designed to enhance monitoring within Special Nuclear Material (SNM) storage environments. Designed by Sensor Driven in response to the Game Changers “Condition monitoring and inspection” challenge, the technology addresses the increasing demand for more autonomous, data-rich, and responsive monitoring solutions in high-hazard nuclear settings.
The session explores the technical and operational challenges associated with designing and integrating sensors capable of reliable performance in highly regulated environments. Particular focus is given to the transition from concept through prototyping to real-world deployment, including an active 18-month trial conducted between 2024 and 2025, where sensors were successfully installed in a live SNM store and transmitted data in situ.
You can find out more and register here
Is your tech costing you time & money? Join Eagle Labs Cumbria for a free Lunch & Learn with Big Lab Technology
Most small businesses don’t realise how much they’re losing through manual admin, clunky processes, or tools that just don’t deliver.
In this interactive session with Big Lab Technology, Eagle Labs Cumbria will:
Tuesday 21 April
11:30am – 1:00pm
Eagle Labs Cumbria, Whitehaven
Light lunch provided
If you’re ready to stop getting rinsed by your tech and want practical insight you can act on straight away, Eagle Labs Cumbria would love to see you there.
Cumbria Talent Force
The Cumbria Talent Force connects employees with the schools they once attended, enabling them to support career programmes and inspire future talent in Cumbria.
Empower your team to give back—and grow your business.
Partnering with schools helps employees inspire young minds while building leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
Why Should Employers Get Involved? By encouraging employees to join the Cumbria Talent Force, you’ll not only make a difference—you’ll gain real business benefits:
Your commitment - the choice is yours – you decide how your employee is involved from sharing information to create a poster for use in their previous school to encouraging them to get involved in careers events at school. Even a few hours can make a lasting impact.
Changes to Business Rates starting soon
There are some important changes to Business Rates are coming on 1 April 2026.
Information about your Business Rates bill is explained here
New Family Help website launched
The new online hub supporting families across Westmorland and Furness provides a single, easy to use space where parents, carers, and young people can access trusted information on everything from parenting and early years support to health, well being, childcare, and the SEND Local Offer.
The website brings together four key areas of support:
Family Hubs
Family Information Service
Childcare & Early Years Guidance
SEND Local Offer
Read more about the new Family Help website here
Great Big Green Week grants available to support community climate action
Community groups across Westmorland and Furness are invited to apply for grants of up to £300 to support local activities for Great Big Green Week, taking place this year from Saturday 6 June to Sunday 14 June.
Thanks to the support of the Westmorland and Furness Council Locality Boards, funding is available for not-for-profit groups planning events that celebrate climate action and encourage people to make simple, sustainable choices. The grants, delivered in partnership with Futureproof Cumbria, can help support activities such as repair cafés, plant swaps, clothes swaps, workshops, talks and other community led initiatives.
Application forms can be downloaded from the Futureproof Cumbria website, and completed forms should be sent to communitygrants@futureproofcumbria.org.uk
Deadline for applications is Monday 4th May 2026.
Unlock AI Skills That Deliver Real Business Results
Don’t get left behind. AI is transforming every industry, and in just a few years, everyone will be using it as naturally as email.
The BCC AI Academy, powered by PAIR, gives your team the practical skills to stay ahead – so you’re not playing catch-up while competitors surge forward.
Give your workforce hands-on, role-specific AI training. Built on the same platform trusted by governments and global enterprises – now tailored for UK businesses.
This is not theory. It’s transformation. This is how your team learns to work faster, smarter, and better with AI.
You can find out more here
Why AI training matters – any why you can’t wait
The opportunity is clear:
*Research by the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with Intuit.
You can find out more here
Cumbria Business Growth Hub is running a number of training courses focused around AI and productivity – you can view the current schedule here
Government Response: Late Payments consultation
Last year, the government ran a late payment consultation to address the issue of late payments for small businesses and the self-employed.
Government has now published a response to this consultation, promising businesses ambitious legislation and a strong legal framework on late payments.
Chambers have been asked to share the consultation response with their business members and encourage them to adhere to on time payment practices.
Familiarise yourself with BCCs Employment Rights Act explainer
A new explainer on the Employment Rights Act produced by the British Chambers of Commerce is now available, providing clear and practical guidance for Chambers and businesses on what the changes mean in practice.
The explainer breaks down the key elements of the Act, highlights where employers may need to review policies or processes, and sets out the issues businesses are most likely to raise as the reforms are implemented. This is particularly important ahead of the first wave of changes which came into force from 6th April, which include changes to Statutory Sick Pay, paternity and parental leave and the introduction of new gender and menopause action plans.
You can find out more here
Eat for Better Business - Networking Breakfast
Join Eagle Labs Cumbria for their usual networking breakfast with a healthy twist at The Bus Station, Whitehaven.
Being held on Thursday 23rd April from 9am to 10.30am this month’s speaker is Jackie Wilkinson, Nutrition Coach - Jackie has a passion for food, health and well-being. Why?
She used to eat a diet considered very healthy by currently fashionable thinking; low in fat with lots of fruit and veg. and it did her much harm.
She suffered poor concentration, mood swings, was always hungry, overweight, often felt dizzy, and yawned all afternoon. A metabolic type test radically changed her thinking, her diet and her life.
Her background includes 24 years in science and safety and 21 years as an international archery competitor.
A self-employed speaker, trainer, coach and writer, she has been nutrition coaching for 18 years and works with individuals to help them learn to eat well and enjoy more vibrantly healthy lives.
She directs her knowledge and enthusiasm when working with businesses to enhance the productivity, safety and resilience of their staff.
Book your FREE place here
Reforms to tackle late payments
The Government has announced reforms to tackle late payments. The reforms include a new 60-day cap on payment terms on all large firms when paying smaller suppliers and new mandatory interest on late payments.
The Small Business Commissioner will also be given new powers to tackle late payments.
Read more about the reforms here
Consultation on ways to help SMEs access finance
The Financial Conduct Authority has launched a consultation on ways to help small and medium-sized businesses access debt, equity, and hybrid and alternative finance. The consultation covers barriers to finance and opportunities for future regulation to better support the provision of SME finance.
Read more about the consultation here
Don’t forget Cumbria Business Growth Hub runs the only Access to Finance Service in Cumbria, anyone interested in finding out more contact Lesley Robinson, Head of Business Growth & Support at lesleyr@cumbriachamber.co.uk
Government sets small business spending targets
For the first time, government departments have been set individual spending targets for small and medium-sized businesses. The targets will require government departments to directly spend over £7.4 billion a year with small businesses by 2028. The money will go to businesses across the country, including in key sectors such as cyber, manufacturing, finance and science.
Read more about the targets here
Scholarship Opportunities for Young UK and Irish Leaders at the Global Agritourism Conference in Scotland
With just three months until the Global Agritourism Conference in Aberdeen, Scottish Agritourism and the Global Agritourism Network are offering a conference ticket to four young leaders in the sector, with the opportunity to represent England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland in the Global Agritourism Scholarship Programme.
The Global Agritourism Conference will be the largest global gathering to date of farmers running agritourism and farm retail enterprises on their farm. The Global Agritourism Scholarship Programme is open to anyone involved in the agritourism, farm retail or farming sectors either directly, via the supply chain or through related services. Successful candidates should be under 40, show leadership potential in the sector and will be able to demonstrate an enthusiasm to grow agritourism in their region.
Anyone interested in applying for the scholarship should email events@globalagritrtourismnetwork.org for an application link. Global Agritourism Conference tickets can be booked here
The King’s Awards for Enterprise 2027
Discover how to apply for the UK’s most prestigious business awards by attending a webinar delivered by Enterprising Cumbria in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade.
You’ll hear from previous winners The Lakes Free Range Egg Company and The Quiet Site.
Join the webinar on Monday 27th April from 2pm to 4pm – you can find out more and book here
Cold Calling Phone Alert
Cumberland Council have received reports of residents receiving unexpected phone calls offering to conduct Government Sponsored safety improvement works to their homes.
Such callers may also offer maintenance plans and request a home visit during the call.
Please do not agree to a home visit, improvement works or make payments over the phone to cold callers.
The Council’s advice is to:
Cold calling can be reported to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk
Trade support gap leaves firms flying solo according to new BCC report
Zero percent of surveyed UK exporters say they have “comprehensive support” from government to manage trade policy changes, according to new research by the BCC, in partnership with global standards organisation GS1 UK.
The BCC’s Insights Unit surveyed 939 firms – 40% of whom were exporters – with 0% of responding businesses saying government was providing comprehensive support on trade policy changes.
You can view the full report here
Skills Bootcamp in Project Management
The University of Cumbria are hoping to run another Skills Bootcamp in Project Management this May for individuals based in Cumbria and are currently seeking expressions of interest from employers. The programme will focus on developing practical, industry-relevant project management skills to support workforce development across the region.
If you have staff you would like to upskill, or if you are interested yourself please contact us at uocskillsbootcamps@cumbria.ac.uk to register your interest and find out more.
Funding for small employers to take on apprentices
The Government has announced plans to encourage small employers to take on young apprentices. From autumn 2026, small and medium-sized businesses will receive an Apprenticeship Incentive of £2,000 for each new apprentice aged 16 to 24 they take on. The incentive is part of wider reforms to create 50,000 more apprenticeships.
Read more about the plans here
UK Gov Zero Carbon Services tool
The Zero Carbon Company are offering a free energy and carbon reduction tool to small and medium-sized hospitality businesses. Using your own energy data, the tool will help you cut your energy waste and carbon footprint.
- Fully funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
- Pinpoint your energy waste, show you to fix it and save money.
- It's quick, simple and tailored to your business.
You’ll recover profits, cut carbon, and empower your team, while building a great story to share with your customers.
If you're a larger PubCo, hotel or restaurant group, please get in touch to learn more about our discounted packages for your tenants and franchisees.
Only 525 FREE licenses available – register here
Campaign to help people understand their tax affairs
HMRC has launched a new campaign to help people with their everyday tax affairs. The Tax Confident website is aimed at filling in the gaps in taxpayers' knowledge and covers tax basics, working life, small businesses and retirement. It also provides guidance on how taxpayers can examine tax codes, find their National Insurance number and check how much tax they owed.
Read more about the campaign here
eBay to provide funding for business sellers
eBay UK has announced a new partnership with global finance provider Liberis to provide funding to UK business sellers. Flexible Growth Financing will provide sellers with funding tailored to their business needs which they can access as and when they need it. The funding can be used to restock or expand inventory, enhance product listings, or invest in strategic marketing.
Read more about the funding here
Bursaries at University of Cumbria
The Cumbria Bursary is the University’s targeted financial support package for 1st year ‘home’ undergraduate students studying a qualifying course who are commencing their studies in the 2026/27 academic year.
Scholarships available are:
You can view more information and apply here
Save the date – Cumbria Tourism HR Summit
Join Cumbria Tourism on Tuesday 12th May for their annual HR Summit, created for HR professionals and managers across the visitor economy.
The event will bring together industry peers to explore practical ideas, tools and resources to help recruit, develop and retain staff, alongside updates from Cumbria Tourism, guest speakers and interactive workshops.
You can find out more and book here
New funding opportunities to accelerate offshore wind innovation
The Offshore Wind Innovation Programme competitions are now open, supporting UK organisations to develop, test and scale solutions that strengthen the offshore wind sector and its supply chain.
These competitions are focused on tackling real-world challenges across offshore wind, helping to move innovative ideas from concept to commercial reality. From technology development to deployment-ready solutions, this is a clear opportunity to position innovation where it can deliver fastest impact.
For innovators and industry this means:
Get in touch with Innovate UK Business Connect and Innovate UK to discuss eligibility, partnerships and next steps.
Applications open for small business programme
Applications are now open for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme, which operates across the UK. The programme provides high-quality, practical education and business support to high-growth small businesses and social enterprises. The application closing date is 24 April 2026.
Read more about the programme here
Gen 2 Employer Breakfast Morning
Gen 2 are inviting employers to their upcoming Employer Breakfast Morning on 29th April from 10am to 12noon at CAMNS Head Office, Lillyhall.
This event is designed to support businesses of all sizes, with a particular focus on small and medium sized employers who are looking to better understand how apprenticeships and funded training can support growth.
During the morning, Gen 2 will cover:
Register here
