Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
In Cumberland, the suicide rate is almost twice the England average, while across Cumbria it remains 50% higher than the national rate.
People don’t leave personal crises at the workplace door. Managers and colleagues may be among the first to notice when something changes — but would your organisation know what to do if an employee said they were thinking about suicide?
And would you be prepared to respond safely and compassionately following an employee suicide?
Every Life Matters is bringing employers together in Barrow and Workington for our Suicide Prevention in the Workplace Autumn Conference, 100% funded by Siemens Energy.
The half-day conference will introduce the new BSI Standard BS 30480, the world’s first workplace standard dedicated to suicide awareness, prevention, intervention and support following a suicide.
You’ll gain practical guidance on:
The conference will also include case studies, round-table discussions and a dedicated session on postvention – responding to an employee suicide.
Choose from:
📍 Barrow – 2 November 2026
📍 Workington – 6 November 2026
🕘 9am–1pm
Completely free, thanks to Siemens Energy.
You’ll receive high-quality training materials, a practical guide to the BSI Standard, refreshments and opportunities to connect with other local employers.
Take action. Build a suicide-safer workplace.
To find out more or book your place, click here
Kick Start Fund
The final round of the Kick Start Fund is now open to people, groups and organisations with new ideas that could make a difference in West Cumbria.
Kick Start is not intended to fund existing projects or ongoing core activities. The fund is designed to help local people turn a new idea into action, pilot something different, test an approach, or introduce an activity that is not currently being delivered in the community.
Grants available:
The fund is particularly looking for ideas that support:
If you're working with individuals, young people, families, community groups or organisations who have a great idea but may struggle to access funding elsewhere, please encourage them to get in touch. Support can be provided to help with developing ideas and completing applications.
Application deadline: 30 September 2026.
More information and applications can be found here
HMRC to sign up individuals to Making Tax Digital
From September 2026, HMRC will start signing up landlords and sole traders to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax if it believes they should already be registered. HMRC will use data from 2024/25 self-assessment tax returns to identify landlords and sole traders who should be using Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
Read more about the process here
Measures to tackle cowboy traders
The Government has announced measures to clamp down on rogue traders across the UK. Under the measures, builders and other home improvement traders can sign up to an Approved Code to demonstrate that they meet higher standards of customer service, transparency and dispute resolution. There will also be a new system to protect people's money during building projects, with payments directly linked to key project milestones.
Read more about the measures here
Second funding window confirmed for Sustainable Farming Incentive
Farmers in England will be able to apply for the second window of the Sustainable Farming Incentive from 22 September 2026. An additional £50 million will also be available to support businesses hit by drought.
According to Defra, the most popular actions in the first window included low-input grassland, hedgerow management, haymaking, herbal leys and pond management. The average annual value of agreements in the first window was just under £10,000.
Read more about the funding here
Female Founders List 2027 Applications are Open!
Small Business Britain is on a mission to increase the number of female entrepreneurs in the UK to 30% by 2030. The Female Founders List, backed by Starling Bank, is at the heart of this movement.
They are looking for incredible female entrepreneurs who are successful in their fields, but also wear many hats. They want to celebrate those who are living the Female Founder’s Life, a new approach to a portfolio career, where you are achieving in many different spheres of life.
Are you running a business while also volunteering for a charity? Do you have a side hustle, care for a relative, or lead a community-focused initiative with a passion for inclusion and diversity?
If so, they want to hear from you.
Fill in the application form below by 23:59 on 30th September for a chance to be one of the Female Founders List 2027, and join our community of female entrepreneurs.
Please note if you have previously been selected for the #iAlso100 you need not apply again as you have already joined the Female Founders community.
Unique opportunity: Showcasing UK Business Success Across Africa
Businesses interested in the Alamein Africa Forum (GO63 Africa), taking place in Egypt from 2–4 October 2026 alongside the African Union Mid-Year Summit are asked to register to attend.
The Forum is positioned as Africa's premier business gathering, bringing together Heads of State, government representatives, investors and business leaders from across the continent
Given its pan-African reach and high-level participation, organisers believe this presents a unique opportunity for UK businesses to showcase successful projects, partnerships and investments across Africa, particularly business models that have proven successful in Egypt or elsewhere on the continent and are ready to be replicated in new markets.
You can find out more and book here
How Making Tax Digital for Income Tax could affect you
Getting ready for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
The following webinars will help you understand the necessary steps that landlords, joint property owners and businesses will need to take to prepare for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax:
During the sessions HMRC will cover:
How to get ready for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax if you’re a sole trader or landlord without an accountant or bookkeeper
If you’re a sole trader or landlord without an accountant or bookkeeper, register for this webinar for the latest information, to help you get ready for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. From 6 April 2026, it is now a legal requirement for those with a turnover over £50,000. HMRC will look at:
Applications open for post-16 Travel Bursary scheme 24 August
Westmorland and Furness Council is pleased to be able to announce the continuation of the post-16 transport bursary scheme given the financial sustainability challenges the Council is facing, helping young people access post-16 education and training.
There is wide recognition that young people face challenges in accessing post-16 education and training, with transport costs often being a significant barrier. The bursary scheme helps make travel more affordable and supports young people age 16+ in their choice of the education and training opportunities they can pursue.
Supporting transport costs can have a positive impact on young people's prospects and life chances, while also helping local businesses by developing the skills and workforce needed for the future.
The 2026-27 post 16 transport bursary application window will run until 1 October 2026. Students who received a bursary in 2025-26 and are continuing into the second/third year their course will be able to reapply early. Although payments will be made in mid-October, early applications will be prioritised and processed during August and September.
To be eligible for the transport bursary, applicants must:
Find out more and apply here: Post-16 Transport and the 16-19 Bursary Scheme | Westmorland and Furness Council
Business rates for pubs and hotels
The Government has launched an independent review into how pubs and hotels are valued for business rates.
This is welcome news and something Cumbria Tourism has been calling for, with many businesses continuing to face significant cost pressures.
If your pub or hotel has been affected by the current valuation system, this is your chance to share your evidence and help inform the review. Have your say here by Friday 16 October.
Self Assessment, your online tax return and you
Sending your 2025 to 2026 online tax return early can give you peace of mind and more time to plan and budget before the 31 January 2027 deadline.
You can register for the following HMRC live webinars designed to guide you through every step of completing your return. And if you’ve got a question, pop it into the on-screen text box.
Booking is now open – Menopause Confident Workplaces, Barrow
Tickets are now live for the Menopause Confident Workplaces launch event.
A fully-funded programme delivered by Dandelion Coaching, funded through Barrow Rising, helping small and medium-sized businesses, charities and community organisations across Barrow create workplaces where people feel understood and able to thrive during menopause.
Thursday 22nd October at The Bridge, Barrow in Furness from 9.30am to 4.30pm (arrival from 9.15am).
You’ll leave with a better understanding of menopause at work, more confidence having the conversation, and practical ideas to take back to your team.
You can find out more and book here
Employment Rights Act: Watch the Department for Business Innovation, Science and Trade’s expert update
The Employment Rights Act continues to be a key topic for businesses, bringing important changes that could impact your business, workforce, and HR practices.
With upcoming changes to the Employment Rights Act 2025 coming soon, now is the time to get up to speed.
The Department’s latest expert-led session is now available on demand, helping you understand what's changing and what it means for your business.
👉 Watch now: Understanding the Employment Rights Act 2025
Don't miss this opportunity to understand how these changes may affect your business and what actions you should consider taking now.
Whether you employ a handful of staff or manage a large workforce, staying ahead of these changes is critical.
Understanding the new requirements now can help you prepare, reduce risk, and make informed decisions for your organisation.
What you'll learn:
Don't wait until these changes affect your operations. Take a few minutes today to understand the legislation and start planning ahead.
Grants to improve productivity and resilience in farming
Farming, growing or forestry businesses in England can apply for a share of up to £5 million for on-farm trial and demonstration projects to improve adoption of new ideas in the agricultural sector. Projects must have the potential to significantly improve productivity, resilience or sustainability and progression towards net zero farming. The competition closes on 7 October 2026.
Read more about the funding here
Revenue Growth Unlocked & AI for manufacturing workshops
The Cumbria Accelerator programme is delivering the below fully funded workshops:
Revenue Growth Unlocked – 28th September – 2pm to 3.30pm
Learn practical strategies to grow revenue focusing on high-impact activities. Leave with actionable steps to increase sales and grow your business with confidence.
AI for Manufacturing: Where to Start and What's Possible – 14th October – 1pm to 2.30pm
Discover how AI can deliver practical benefits for your manufacturing business through real-world examples. Leave with the confidence to identify your first low-risk AI opportunity.
ICO announces free data protection training for SMEs
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has announced a new online training programme for sole traders and small and medium-sized organisations. Data Protection Essentials includes practical advice and know-how to help smaller businesses comply with data protection legislation. It also includes real-world examples tailored to different sectors such as childcare, health and social care, professional services, retail and property.
Read more about the training programme here
Grants funding for UK charitable organisations
Amazon will provide multiple grants of up to £30,000 for UK charitable organisations to provide opportunities and upskill the next generation of creatives. The Regional Creatives Fund will provide grants to charities, community interest companies and charitable incorporated organisations for programmes aimed at boosting skills and increasing access to creative industry careers in performing arts, podcasting, fashion, photography and other creative sectors.
Read more about the funding here
Get ready for the Carlisle Weekend
The Carlisle Weekend is coming and promises to be a unique celebration of all that is wonderful about The Great Border City.
Events during the four-day celebration will include everything from a citywide pub quiz, sports taster sessions, offers at restaurants and cafes, unique tours and things to do for all the family.
Driven by the new Business Improvement District (BID), it takes place across venues, attractions and businesses throughout the city, with the aim to celebrate everything that makes Carlisle special, encouraging people to discover new places, support local firms and build pride.
Under the theme Unlock our city, Unlock new experiences, Carlisle Weekend from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September will see the city open up in new ways, with behind-the-scenes tours, exclusive experiences and hidden gems.
The ambitious venture coincides with the University of Cumbria open day, Cumbria Pride and a Carlisle United home game, allowing organisers to build on these established events and bring them together into one bigger, more vibrant celebration of the city.
Bid Manager Chandra Pollock said: “Carlisle Weekend is exactly what the BID is here to deliver – bringing businesses, communities and events together to celebrate everything that makes this city special.
We want residents to feel proud of their city and visitors to see Carlisle in a fresh light, while also giving our businesses, attractions and community organisations an opportunity to showcase what they do.
We hope Carlisle Weekend will create a real sense of excitement and give people plenty of reasons to come into the city, stay a little longer and discover something new.”
Businesses, attractions and community groups across Carlisle are being invited to get involved and take part on the celebrations, with further details of the full programme to be announced soon.
If you’re a business who would like to be involved please contact comms@greatborder.city
For more information keep an eye on https://greatborder.city/carlisle-weekend/
Greening Businesses Scheme – round 3 now open
Applications are now open for round 3 of Westmorland and Furness Council’s Greening Businesses Scheme.
Are you a business looking to reduce your carbon footprint, cut costs, and future-proof?
Following the success of the previous two rounds – which supported 20 businesses across Westmorland and Furness with free carbon audits and decarbonisation plans – this latest round aims to help even more organisations take meaningful steps toward becoming more environmentally sustainable.
Successful applicants will get practical, expert guidance through the Council’s partnership with CBEN and will be supported to:
The scheme is open to small and medium (SME) businesses of all sectors as long as they are based in Westmorland and Furness.
The deadline for applications is Sunday 25th October with guidance and application form available here
Grants, tenders and trading for social enterprises
Should you apply for that grant? Can you win that contract?
Knowing when to go for an opportunity – and when to walk away – is one of the most valuable skills a social enterprise leader can have. Not every grant is worth pursuing. Not every contract is right for your organisation.
The bid/no-bid question matters more than most people realise.
On 1st October from 5.30pm to 7pm (online), Social Enterprise Cumbria are running a free online workshop for social enterprises and CICs across Cumbria, covering grants, tenders and trading income – and how to decide which routes are genuinely worth your time.
Facilitators are Jenny Brumby and Cath Clarke, both of Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership. Between them they bring decades of experience supporting social enterprises, CICs and community organisations to build more sustainable income – from grants and direct funding to contracts, tenders and trading.
Book your place here
Cumbria Mayoral Business Hustings 2027
Bookings are now open for the Cumbria Mayoral Business Hustings 2027, ahead of the election for Cumbria’s first Mayor.
The events will give business leaders the chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their priorities for Cumbria’s economy and put forward questions on the issues that matter to employers across the county.
Two sessions are being held:
Thursday 15th April 2027, Rheged, Penrith
Tuesday 20th April 2027, Energus, Workington
The events are being organised by Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, BECBC Limited, CBI, Cumbria Tourism, FSB and Make UK.
Attendance is free with priority for members of the organising business networks. Places are expected to be in high demand.
NWAA (North West Aerospace Alliance) SC21 PIP – Driving Supply Chain Excellence
A structured pathway to stronger performance, industry recognition and long-term growth.
The NWAA SC21 Performance Improvement Programme continues to support aerospace and defence businesses in building capability, improving performance, and staying competitive in a demanding global market.
With over 880 UK companies already engaged, SC21 is the industry-recognised framework endorsed by leading primes that helps organisations embed continuous improvement across key areas including delivery, quality, and operational excellence.
Why should your organisation get involved? By joining the programme, you’ll benefit from:
This isn’t just a programme, it’s a pathway to sustainable growth and supply chain excellence.
Interested in getting involved? Contact paul.bell@aerospace.co.uk
Forum to support private landlords and managing agents
Westmorland and Furness Council is holding a forum to support private landlords and managing agents stay up to date with changes in housing law and provide guidance on maintaining good-quality homes. It’s an opportunity to hear directly from experts, ask questions and get advice from a variety of council teams.
Taking place in Kendal Town Hall on Thursday 17th September 5.30pm to 7.30pm, the forum is aimed at all landlords and managing agents providing family homes, student housing, and licenced HMOs within Westmorland and Furness, no matter the size of their portfolio.
The programme includes talks on:
In addition there will be further information available from Council teams including Benefits, Disabled Facilities
Grants, Warm Homes Scheme, Housing Standards and Homelessness along with external partners who will be on hand to provide advice.
Tickets are restricted to the first 80 applicants, therefore advanced booking is essential – you can book here
Cumbria Careers Hub – Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce
Join Cumbria Careers Hub in shaping Cumbria’s future workforce.
Cumbria Careers hub is inviting employers, business partners, schools, colleges, training providers, careers leaders and governors to Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce on Wednesday 14th October 2026 at Keswick Pencil Factory from 9am to 3.45pm.
This free county-wide conference, delivered by Cumbria Careers Hub and Cumbria Combined Authority and supported by the University of Cumbria and Hello Future, will bring together education and industry to explore practical solutions to workforce challenges and strengthen the talent pipelines our economy needs.
The conference will conclude with a collaborative session, Let’s Make It Work, where employers and education partners will work together to identify actions that can make a real difference for young people and businesses.
Book your free place here
Could Help to Grow: Management be coming to Cumbria?
Cumbria Accelerator are exploring the possibility of bringing this 12 week programme to Cumbria for local SME leaders.
Through Help to Grow you’ll gain practical knowledge, expert support, peer learning and 10 hours of 1 to 1 mentoring to help you lead with confidence and grow your business.
The programme has already supported over 11,000 SME leaders and is 90% government funded, costing £750 per person.
But first, they need to know if there is enough interest locally. If you’re interested please email Donna.Dacre@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk
Enterprise Nation and NatWest Accelerator
Enterprise Nation and NatWest Business have partnered to support ambitious business owner across the UK to start, run and grow their businesses.
Through this partnership you’ll get access to:
Sign up to NatWest Accelerator for free today
Looking to grow your business in Europe?
Whether you’re already exporting or planning your first sale into the EU, understanding the UK-EU trading landscape has never been more important.
Join experts from the UK Government based in the EU, the British Chambers of Commerce and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges as they explore the latest developments shaping UK-EU trade, future opportunities, and practical advice to help your business succeed.
Hear from:
You’ll learn:
Join this online session on 15th September and gain practical insights from leading trade experts. Register today here
Heathrow Business Summit – North West & North Wales
Could your business benefit from opportunities linked to Heathrow’s expansion plans?
On 22 October, Heathrow Airport will be bringing its Business Summit to the North West and North Wales, connecting regional businesses with Heathrow representatives and major Tier 1 suppliers.
This is your chance to discover how your organisation could become part of one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure and supply chain programmes.
Save the date: Thursday 22nd October
Liverpool (venue to be confirmed)
Register your interested and be the first to hear when full event details are released. To register your interest email heathrow@oddityevents.com
Cost Stack Calculator
How much have government-driven costs increased for your business?
The British Chamber of Commerce have introduced a new Cost Stack Calculator which shows you how your domestic policy costs have risen in the past decade and where you are being squeezed.
It’s part of BCCs Back Business. Cut Costs. Deliver Growth campaign, which is calling on the Chancellor to use this Budget to reduce the cost of doing business, rebuild confidence and unlock growth across the UK.
The calculator also lets you share your data with BCC anonymously if you wish to, helping them build the evidence base for change.
Try the calculator and see how rising costs are affecting your business.
