Still time to submit your training tender
There’s still time to submit your training tender to deliver commercial training on behalf of Cumbria Business Growth Hub.
The tender closes at 12noon on Friday 22nd May and you can view full details here
Capital grant scheme launching on 1st June
On behalf of Westmorland & Furness Council, Cumbria Business Growth Hub will be launching a £1m countywide capital grant scheme on 1st June. The grant will cover equipment and small-scale building works with full eligibility criteria, paperwork and deadlines available here from 1st June.
Save the date
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and Cumbria Business Growth Hub are joining forces to hold an event focused around AI. With guest speakers offering practical hints and tips, you’ll also enjoy networking and refreshments.
Chamber Partners Armstrong Watson will be hosting the event at their Carlisle office based at Rosehill Industrial Estate on Thursday 15th October. Further details to follow soon.
Expenses and allowances – your tax return
Make sure you’re not paying more tax than you need to. Taking the time to check your business expenses and any items that qualify for capital allowances can make a real difference. From daily running costs to larger purchases, knowing what you can claim – and where to enter it – helps you get your return right first time.
HMRC have a number of resources you can make use of
You can register for the following live webinars, covering business expenses and completing your tax return. And if you’ve got a question, pop it into the on-screen text box:
• Business expenses for the self-employed
• Capital allowances for the self-employed
• Starting your online tax return
• The employment section of your online tax return
• The UK property section of your online tax return
• Other income and tax reliefs on your online tax return
They also have short videos available on HMRC’s YouTube channel – including tailored playlists such as:
• Self-employment tax return
• Self Assessment
Finally, don’t miss out. Subscribe to HMRC’s YouTube channel and you’ll be the first to know about
Community fund launched to create wellbeing hubs in Barrow Town Centre.
Community organisations in Barrow are being invited to apply for a new Capital Investment Fund aimed at transforming community spaces and improving wellbeing for residents.
Westmorland and Furness Council is launching the Brilliant Barrow Community Hub Capital Investment Fund, part of the wider Barrow Town Deal, which is investing in long term projects to help the town thrive as a place to live, work and visit.
The fund will support the development and enhancement of Community Wellbeing Hubs within Barrow town centre, providing welcoming, multi purpose spaces where people of all ages can access services, activities, learning and support in a safe and trusted environment.
Grants of between £50,000 and £250,000 will be available to eligible non profit organisations to deliver capital projects that improve existing community facilities or bring underused buildings back into use for community benefit. All funded projects must be located within the Old Barrow and Hindpool ward and be completed by 31 March 2027.
Community Wellbeing Hubs are designed to respond directly to local need, supporting residents to build skills, make positive lifestyle choices, tackle health inequalities and reduce disadvantage. The council is particularly keen to support projects that strengthen community resilience, improve access and inclusion, and create opportunities for volunteering, learning and digital inclusion.
The fund will support costs including refurbishment and remodelling, accessibility improvements, construction works, equipment and furnishings, and associated professional fees.
Organisations eligible to apply include constituted voluntary and community groups, registered charities, social enterprises, community interest companies and community amateur sports clubs. All projects must deliver tangible physical improvements and demonstrate long term sustainability, value for money and strong community engagement.
An Expression of Interest stage will open the application process, with a deadline of 25 May 2026. Successful applicants will then be invited to submit a full application, with funding decisions expected by the end of June 2026.
Projects will be assessed against criteria including alignment with strategic objectives, evidence of community need, deliverability, financial viability and long term impact.
For further information on eligibility and how to apply, parties are asked to contact direct via the Barrow Area support email which is – barrow.areasupport@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Cumberland landlords urged to prepare for national changes to renting laws
Cumberland Council are urging private landlords, letting agents and property managers across the area to prepare now for significant new legal responsibilities coming into force under the Renters’ Rights Act.
From Friday 1 May 2026, wide ranging reforms will introduce a new tenancy system, including the end of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions. The changes also include new measures designed to prevent rental bidding, rental discrimination, and inappropriate requirements for rent in advance.
All landlords in Cumberland are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the official Government guidance to ensure that both current and future tenancies comply fully with the new legislation. Landlords can download the Government’s information leaflet for landlords via GOV.UK.
You can find out more here
Female Founder Accelerator - Applications Open
Applications are now open for the Female Founder Accelerator, delivered by Barclays Eagle Labs in partnership with AccelerateHER.
This nine-week programme supports UK based female founders who are beyond idea stage and ready to scale. It combines expert-led masterclasses, one-to-one mentoring and peer support to help founders strengthen their business, build financial confidence and prepare for the next stage of growth.
Key dates:
• Applications open: Friday, 1 May 2026
• Applications close: Friday, 12 June 2026
• Programme launch: Friday, 11 September 2026
Full details and the application link can be found here
New British Chamber of Commerce report: Why supply chain resilience matters
Resilient supply chains are vital for competitiveness and growth across sectors including manufacturing, logistics, clean energy and technology. Without greater diversification, clearer economic security strategies and stronger international cooperation, businesses face higher uncertainty, delays and cost pressures that undermine confidence and investment.
The BCC has published a new report, Resilient Global Supply Chains, in response to growing disruption of access to critical goods and materials. Increasing reliance on single suppliers, particularly China, is creating risks to business continuity, input costs and long-term economic security.
The report sets out why coordinated international agreements, stronger government oversight and enhanced trade powers are needed.
British Chambers of Commerce report 20% drop in exports to the Middle East due to conflict
UK exports to the Middle East have dropped by 20% following the escalation of regional conflict, highlighting how quickly global instability can disrupt trade. This sharp decline, reflected in Chamber-issued certificates of origin, signals immediate challenges for businesses trading with key markets.
Certificates of Origin are issued at the start of the export journey, making them a reliable early indicator of trade flows. Certificates for Arab markets fell by 20%, from 15,437 in March 2025 to 12,360 in March 2026. This data puts Chambers at the forefront of real-time economic insight.
For business members, this means potential delays, reduced demand, and increased uncertainty in Middle East markets -particularly for exporters reliant on these routes.
Chamber members can access the Diplomatic Advisory Hub for further advice and share the findings to help businesses assess risk, explore alternative markets, and plan.
You can access export consultancy support, import and export training and export documentation services through Cumbria Chamber of Commerce. To find out more contact Lesley Robinson, Head of Business Growth & Support by emailing lesleyr@cumbriachamber.co.uk
Cumbria Clothing Repair Directory - apply now for free!
Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council have funded Cumbria Clothing Collective CIC, to create a Repair Directory to bring together details of clothing and shoe repair businesses in Cumbria. The aim is to create a “one stop shop” for all your clothing and shoe repair needs.
Clothing or shoe repair businesses can register before the end of June 2026 for a free full year’s entry in the directory.
So, if you have an item of clothing or shoes that need repair, all you will need to do is add your postcode and what repair you need into the directory, and the nearest business details will be shown.
You can find out more here
UK India Roadshow 2026: Unlock your export growth with the UK–India FTA
The UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), due to enter into force in 2026, is one of the most significant trade agreements the UK has secured and is expected to boost UK GDP by £4.8 billion a year.
To help UK businesses prepare and take full advantage of this opportunity, the Department for Business & Trade are bringing the UK–India FTA Roadshow 2026 to cities across all four UK nations including Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds and the Midlands.
Delivered over two weeks in June, this nationwide programme is designed to provide UK businesses with the clarity, confidence and connections needed to enter or scale in one of the world’s fastest growing major economies.
From tariff reductions and regulatory changes to sector specific opportunities and practical export support, the Roadshow places practical opportunity at the centre of every session.
Each Roadshow event is designed to provide you with:
• Clear insight into what the UK–India FTA will mean for your business
• Practical guidance on using the agreement to become more competitive in India
• Support that demystifies exporting and reduces barriers to entry
• Direct access to Indian market experts and export specialists
• Opportunities to connect with buyers, distributors and partners
• Inspiration from UK businesses already succeeding in India
• Clear next steps to help you accelerate your market entry
Roadshow events will take place between 17-25 June 2026, nearest locations to Cumbria are:
• Leeds - Wednesday 17 June
• Edinburgh - Monday 22 June
• Manchester - Thursday 25 June
You can express your interest here
Adult Learning course – Professional & Positive Communication
This free 3 hour workshop helps you to promote yourself so that colleagues and businesses see the best that is you. You’ll learn brilliant body language, how to shine! Practise positive communication skills and celebrate the qualities that make you unique.
Taking place at Kendal Library on Thursday 6th August from 9.30am to 12.30pm you can book your free place by calling Victoria on 07827 282198 or by emailing victoria.emmett@cumbria.gov.uk
Helpful Resource: Global Trade Report
The International Chambers of Commerce (ICC) has published their latest global trade report which is a useful read for businesses who import and export between GB and the rest of world.
Funding for coastal communities across England
Fishing and seafood industries and coastal communities across England can apply for funding to make a difference to the industry and to coastal life. The Fisheries and Seafood Scheme will provide £132 million over five years to support projects that improve workforce development, community partnerships, local regeneration and trade and market access. Small businesses and community organisations are encouraged to work together locally or regionally to strengthen their applications.
Read more about the fund here
New funding for games developers
Video games developers can apply for a share of a new £28.5 million pot of funding. The Games Growth Package will support newly formed and expanding developers to turn blueprints for games into reality and sell their product in the UK and around the world. The package will include an Entry Track, which will provide grants of up to £20,000 to newly formed companies.
Read more about the funding here
Work from home tax relief comes to an end
From 6 April, people working from home are no longer able to claim tax relief on unreimbursed household expenses. The change removes an income tax relief for employees who incur additional household costs, such as heating, electricity and business phone calls, but are not reimbursed by their employer.
Read more about the change here
Gearing up for the Tour De France
The news that Cumbria will host two stages of the men’s 2027 Tour De France Grand Départ is a massive opportunity for you to showcase your business to new national and international audiences.
With a Stage One finish in Carlisle and a Stage Two start in Keswick, it’s an incredible catalyst for strengthening the county’s long term identify as a world class cycling destination, offering unsurpassed leisure cycling all-year-round.
It’s not just about two days next July 2027 – it’s about maximising long-term benefits for your business in the run up to, during and beyond the main event.
Helping businesses county-wide reach new audiences in 2026 and 2027, Cumbria Tourism have produced a special Tour De France toolkit packed full of tips and advice which can be accessed here
Cumberland Economic Strategy just launched
Cumberland Council have just launched the Cumberland Economic Strategy, setting out a clear and ambitious vision to drive sustainable growth, attract investment and create high-quality opportunities for people and businesses across Cumberland.
Developed with communities, businesses, education partners and regional stakeholders, the strategy focuses on boosting prosperity, strengthening Cumberland’s appeal as a place to live, work and invest.
You can find out more about the strategy and what it needs for Cumberland here
Connect goods with those who can make use of them
Together for Good has moved onto the next stage. If your business has some furniture, equipment or materials you no longer need, you can list them on the website to make them available for third sector organisations.
Third sector organisations can also list their requests.
New funding for Advanced manufacturing supply chain innovation
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £6.5 million for collaborative industrial research to make supply chains more productive, resource efficient and resilient. Projects must apply one of the competition themes to at least two of the advanced manufacturing frontier industries identified in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan and involve an end-user.
The competition themes are:
• measurement, sensing and instrumentation
• additive manufacturing
• digital manufacturing and industrial AI
• robotics and intelligent automation
• power electronics
Projects must have a total eligible grant funding request between £250,000 and £1 million, and last between 12 and 36 months.
The competition closes on Wednesday 10th June at 11am – you can view full details here
New fully funded Engineering & Manufacturing Skills programme – Now open for application
Looking to start a career in engineering or manufacturing?
Gen2 is delivering a 12-week intensive training programme in partnership with Westmorland & Furness Council, funded through the Adult Skills Fund.
Starting 28th May in Ulverston, this programme is designed for adults who are unemployed, underemployed or considering a career change.
Training takes place 2 days per week (Thursdays & Fridays) at the Gen2 Ulverston centre.
To find out more contact sales@gen2.ac.uk
Changes to Start Up Loans eligibility
The eligibility for Start Up Loans has been extended giving businesses trading for up to 5 years to opportunity to apply.
You can find out more here
Anyone interested in applying can make use of our Access to Finance service to help speed up the process and ensure your financials stack up. To find out more about our Access to Finance service (the only service in Cumbria) please email info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk
