Save the date – International Women’s Day 2026
On Friday 6th March we’re off to The Melbreak Hotel near Workington to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026.
We’re just working on the details for the day but if you’d like to join us please keep the date free – it’s a great day of inspiration and learning and we’re open to men and women.
Save the date – International Men’s Day 2025
For the second year we’ll again be celebrating International Men’s Day on Wednesday 19th November.
Keep an eye out for details coming soon……
Businesses to be protected against debanking
From April 2026, banks and other payment service providers will be required to give customers at least 90 days' notice before closing their account or terminating a payment service. This is an increase from the two months currently required. Banks will also need to provide a clear explanation to customers in writing, so people can challenge decisions, such as through the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Read more about the change here
Funding available for young Cumbrian Entrepreneurs
Young Cumbrian entrepreneurs can apply for a grant to boost their business, thanks to a new fund being managed by Cumbria Community Foundation.
The SWEF Enterprise Fund awards grants of up to £2,000 to young people in Cumbria running a business within its first two years of trading. Grants of up to £500 are also available to young people launching a new business.
The funding aims to support applicants with business costs that they would otherwise be unable to afford, to help the business make a transformational change or take a significant step forward in its development.
To be eligible, people must be aged 18 to 30, living in Cumbria and facing financial challenges which are preventing them from developing their business.
For more information and to apply for a grant, go to the following pages on the Cumbria Community Foundation website:
SWEF Enterprise Fund Start-Up Grant – funding of up to £500 for those starting out in business: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/swef-enterprise-fund-start-up-grants/
SWEF Enterprise Fund Business Grant – funding of up to £2,000 for those running a business within its first two years of trading: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/swef-enterprise-fund-business-grants/
The closing date for the first round of funding is Friday 16 May 2025.
Call out for tourism businesses to register on our new destination web sites
Discover Carlisle and the Western Lake District & Coast now have brand new promotional websites to showcase our area to visitors. Businesses can register free of charge by filling out these forms:
https://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/more/list-your-business/
https://www.westernlakedistrict.com/list-your-business/
Events can also be listed which will help us generate content for our social media channels and promote your activity.
This opportunity is open to all businesses operating in the visitor economy in Cumberland.
The new websites were funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will be the backbone to all of our future destination marketing activity.
Personal Prosecution mock trial
Running from 9am to 4pm on 22nd July in Carlisle – this is your chance to experience the thrill of the courtroom and gain insight into the risks associated with Health & Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution.
Marsh McLennan’s immersive Personal Prosecution Mock Trial offers an in-depth understanding of the complexities and intricacies of the legal proceedings related to health and safety. With real judges and specialist barristers, get well-prepared to navigate the risks associated with HSE prosecutions.
To find out more and book your place click here
HMRC launches online guidance tool
HMRC has launched an online guidance tool to help businesses and taxpayers understand tax compliance checks. The tool brings together existing compliance guidance and videos in one place, making it easier to find and navigate the appropriate information.
Read more about the tool here
Mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind delayed
HMRC has announced that the mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind will be delayed for a year. The change was originally scheduled to come into force from April 2026, but will now be introduced from April 2027. However, employers can still choose to payroll benefits in kind voluntarily before the new date.
Read more about the delay here
Aldi doubles apprenticeship funding for small businesses
Aldi is doubling its apprenticeship funding for small and medium-sized businesses over the next two years. The discounter will provide £2 million to help businesses fund a variety of industry apprentices at different levels, in settings such as nurseries, care homes, healthcare and trades.
Read more about the funding here
New rules for businesses posting parcels to Northern Ireland
On 1 May 2025, new rules for businesses in Great Britain posting parcels to Northern Ireland came into effect. Under the rules, business-to-business parcels will require customs declarations. Businesses in Great Britain sending goods to businesses in Northern Ireland will need to register with the UK Internal Market Scheme, which will allow them to use a simplified customs process.
Read more about the new rules here
Made Smarter: Digital Support for Cumbrian SME Manufacturers
Made Smarter helps small and medium-sized manufacturers in Cumbria unlock the power of digital technology. From automation and data insights to AI and smart systems, going digital can mean faster production, lower costs, better quality, and more time to focus on what matters most, growing your business.
Made Smarter offers fully funded advice, match-funded grants, skills and leadership training and a funded Digital Intern to help you take the next step with confidence.
If you're ready to boost productivity, improve efficiency, and future-proof your business, Made Smarter is here to help. Contact your local Technology Adoption Specialist Sarah.Woodhams@Growthco.uk for an informal chat.
Barclays Eagle Lab Black Founder Accelerator
Barclays have partnered with Foundervine to run the Barclays Black Founder Accelerator, a programme especially designed to champion diversity in entrepreneurship and showcase Black Founder-led businesses. Foundervine is an award-winning social enterprise with a strong track record of helping entrepreneurs from under-represented communities to start their own business.
Applications close 22 May
Additional funding for Growth Guarantee Scheme
The Growth Guarantee Scheme will provide an additional £500 million of lending to help more smaller businesses. The extra funding is aimed at smaller businesses that may need support with cashflow issues due to changes in global tariff rates. The finance can be used for any legitimate business purpose, including managing cashflow or working capital requirements.
Read more about the scheme here
Global tariff suspended for some products
The Government has announced that the UK Global Tariff will be temporarily suspended on 89 products until July 2027, saving UK businesses at least £17 million a year. The products affected include pasta, fruit juices, spices, plywood, plastics and gardening supplies. The UK Global Tariff applies to goods entering the UK that do not qualify for preferential treatment under, for example, a free trade agreement.
Read more about the tariff suspension here
Unlock the power of trade
British Chambers of Commerce have produced the below video to highlight how Chamber’s can help businesses at any stage of their exporting journey. The video features international trade experts from Chambers in the UK and overseas, explaining how they are empowering businesses to take the plunge and start to trade internationally.
Through your local Chamber you can access export consultancy support, training and export documentation services, we can also link you into other Chambers internationally and provide useful resources and contacts.
Export Consultancy service | Cumbria Growth Hub
Train Your Team | Cumbria Growth Hub
Export Documentation Service - Cumbria Chamber of Commerce
Exporting is just one way to grow and scale your business but many overlook it as an option so if you’d like to know more or develop further please get in touch and let us support you further – lesleyr@cumbriachamber.co.uk
Update on the Windsor Framework – New Parcel Arrangement
The Windsor Framework is introducing updated procedures for moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland via parcels and freight.
These new arrangements are set to take effect from 1st May 2025, subject to relevant procedures.
To help businesses navigate these changes, HMRC’s NI Customs team has compiled an FAQ sheet addressing common questions raised by stakeholders. We hope you find it useful.
Could you set up a community food growing initiative?
Cumberland Council is proud to support the national Right to Grow campaign by introducing a community growing licence. This initiative will allow local communities to use Council-owned land for food growing projects.
We’re on the lookout for groups across Cumberland who are interested in setting up these community food growing initiatives. Let’s come together for a greener, healthier future.
Interested? Reach out and let the Council know where you want to grow foodpartnership@cumberland.gov.uk
InCumbria Business Awards 2025 now open for entries
Back for another incredible year in partnership with NRL, the In-Cumbria Business Awards are the ultimate celebration of business brilliance in Cumbria! This prestigious event shines a spotlight on the outstanding talent, innovation, and dedication that drive our county forward.
There are a number of categories open for entry:
You can find out more and enter here
Widening your talent pipeline – a workshop to support employers
Cumbria Careers Hub have been working on an exciting ‘Inclusive Employment’ project and are delighted to offer a training opportunity for employers. Beneficial to those who want to expand their careers outreach programme and to help shape workforce development.
If you are struggling to fill vacancies, you may want to consider widening your talent pipeline. With over 7,000 open job vacancies across Cumbria, Cumbria Careers Hub want to help you explore how working with their special schools and pupil referral units could help you find loyal team members that will support your business.
The workshops are being delivered in partnership with the Centre for Leadership Performance and designed as a practical guide for employers.
There are four planned workshops all running from 9.30am to 12noon and are free to attend.
18th June – The Bridge, Portland Walk, Barrow
26th June – Civic Centre, Carlisle
Free webinar
Electricity North West and the UK Business Climate Hub are running a free webinar on Wednesday 28th May (11am to 12noon) all about saving energy, cutting costs and understanding changes in the electricity system.
Especially relevant to small businesses and social enterprises looking to reduce emissions or learn more about how local energy systems are evolving.
Click here to register your interest
Cumbria Tourism HR Summit – Shaping your future workforce
Cumbria Tourism is hosting a HR summit on Tuesday 20th May at The Daffodil Hotel.
The event promises to provide valuable information and recommendations from CT and key partners which will assist businesses in shaping their future workforce.
You can find out more and book your place here
Tourism Talent Hub
Help is at hand to widen your staff recruitment opportunities.
Cumbria Tourism can help math your business with the perfect candidates. You can upload jobs for free to their Tourism Talent Hub, CTs dedicated careers platform for Cumbria’s hospitality and tourism sector.
You can upload your vacancies here
Small Business Carbon Calculator
SME Climate Hub have launched the Small Business Carbon Calculator – a simple, accessible, and free tool that helps small businesses with 1-50 employees start their carbon measurement journey.
Find out more here
Last few places remaining – Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II Roadshow
In partnership with the British Business Bank, Cumbria Business Growth Hub, Cumbria Tourism and The Farmer Network this event will provide businesses with further details on the funding opportunities available and how businesses can access the £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.
Join us to hear about:
Thursday 26th June – 10.30am to 1pm – Roundthorn Country House, Beacon Edge, Penrith
