Inviting You To Explore: Investing in Nature for Business: Compliance, Competitiveness and Community

Natural England, the National Trust, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund are working in partnership on the Nature Towns and Cities programme.

You are invited to a virtual, collaborative and interactive roundtable conversation to gain your views on how investing in nature for health can support businesses in driving and achieving strategic goals.

The aim is to increase access to urban Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to improve health outcomes for people, place and planet, through the growth of investible propositions in the health and care market. Nature can enable business to achieve strategic goals around CSR, ESG, employee wellbeing and increased growth.

The consortium want to understand how actions in and with nature can be taken (and sustainably resourced at scale) so that multiple health and business benefits can be realised for millions of people.

If their mission resonates with you, sign up to express your interest in a place at the session. Spaces are limited, and they’ll be in touch to confirm your place once you have booked.

They’ll be sharing examples of good practice and asking you some questions aimed at gathering your views about the challenges and opportunities in this field of work, and co-producing solutions.

Your input is essential in helping make progress on this agenda.

Join an interactive and collaborative conversation on July 9th, online from 1.30 - 4.00pm

To reserve a place please book here 

Please contact julie@consortium24.co.uk if you have any queries. You can download the event flyer here 

Quit Smoking Easily

Cumberland Council has introduced a clinically proven, drug-free intervention method to help residents quit smoking with ease through its Smokefree Cumberland service.

The Council has introduced Allen Carr’s Easyway method, an innovative approach that combines cognitive behavioural therapy with live group seminars.

The method is endorsed by both the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health

Organization (WHO) for its effectiveness in helping smokers quit long-term.

Studies show that the programme can help 1 in 2 smokers quit smoking long-term, with more than 50 million people having successfully used the method globally over the past 40 years.

The programme is available to Cumberland residents looking to kick the habit.

Cumberland residents can easily access the Allen Carr programme through a dedicated link. Simply visit the Allen Carr website.

Cold Caller Alert - Carlisle Area 

Trading Standards have been made aware of numerous cold callers operating around Carlisle recently offering gardening, tree/hedge removals and other landscaping services.

Rogue traders are likely to conduct poor workmanship and overcharge residents.

Advice from Trading Standards is:  
•    Say NO! to Cold Callers 
•    DON'T agree to works on the doorstep 
•    NEVER give out your personal or financial details 
•    ALWAYS obtain multiple quotes from reputable traders.

You can report cold callers to us on 0808 223 1133.

Westmorland & Furness Council Business Survey 2025

The 2025 Westmorland & Furness Council Business Survey is now open for responses. This survey is critical to the work of the Council, as it provides insightful feedback on the supply and demand for business premises across our geography. This helps the Council to better plan for future employment development and also to understand the opportunities and challenges facing our business community.

Please click on this link to complete the questionnaire. All responses should be submitted by Monday 30 June 2025

This survey is conducted by the council’s Economic Development and Regeneration team, who lead on our Invest in Westmorland and Furness programme to support our businesses to grow and thrive. If you have any questions on the survey, please email: invest@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Survey results will be available here If you have any questions on the survey, please email invest@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.

Check out the Council’s website for the latest information on business support and advice, current investments, and available land and premises. This online resource is designed for both existing businesses and those looking to invest, grow, or relocate.

Cuts to apprenticeship funding

The Department for Education has confirmed that Level 7 apprenticeship funding will be restricted to those aged 16 to 21. From 1 January 2026, employers will only be able to use the apprenticeship levy to fund Master's-level courses for existing apprentices and new starters up to the age of 21.

Read more about the changes here

Smaller housebuilders to benefit from simpler rules

Smaller housebuilders in England could benefit from simpler rules and faster decisions under plans to modernise planning committees. The rule changes include faster planning decisions for small sites, the introduction of a medium site category for sites with ten to 49 homes and more land and financing options for smaller builders. A pilot to unlock small sites for SMEs will also be set up. The rules and measures are expected to be in place from May 2026.

Read more about the rules here

DIY SOS is back! 

Nick and his trusted team of Purple Shirts are looking for deserving families and individuals across the UK, who need their help.

For more information head to www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/take-part/diy-sos or talk to the Casting Exec directly at @PHEBYcasting www.instagram.com/phebycasting 

Nick Knowles said, “We are so excited to be back building again for people who really need our help, and the help of their community. We will be back, travelling the country and showcasing the wonderfully generous and caring builders and suppliers everywhere. If you know of a project or build where we could make a difference, then please apply via the link below provided”

Find out more here 

Horizon Europe: £80 billion in Research & Innovation Funding

UK businesses of all sizes can access funding through Horizon Europe, the world’s largest R&D programme, with over £80 billion available from 2021–2027 to support innovation and commercial growth.

Typical grants average £530,000, helping businesses turn ideas into market-ready solutions.

Benefits include:
•    Funding for research and innovation
•    Access to international partners and markets
•    Collaboration with leading universities and institutions

Whether you're a start-up or established business, there are opportunities across diverse sectors—from health to tech to cultural heritage.

Find out more and apply here 

Want to find out more about the Legacy Fund?

The Family Business Community have been working with family businesses of all shapes and sizes for many years and see some common challenges, one of which is growth capital. To help support their community they delighted to share details of the Family Business Legacy Fund, in partnership with strategic collaborators, Traditum Private Investment Office

The Family Business Legacy Fund is designed to support long-term, sustainable growth across our network. By providing flexible capital, it helps address common challenges in sales, operations and people development. The fund offers equity structures that respect family ownership, share risk and enable strategic growth across generations.

Find out more here

You can book an informal call with Dave or Sue here  

Apply to BT Group’s apprenticeship fund

BT Group have committed to transfer up to £4 million to provide fast, straightforward access to apprenticeship funding to support SME, charities and public sector businesses.

BT Group's delivery partners, Babington, offer a range of apprenticeships, from sales, marketing, and procurement, to digital at levels 2- 7.

To qualify, businesses must pay their staff the national living wage, and the staff member/apprentice must be 22 years or older (as the government currently fully funds apprenticeship training for those aged 21 and under).

It’s important to note this fund can be used for current employees, you do not have to hire new people as apprentices to qualify.

92% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reported that apprenticeships resulted in a more motivated and satisfied workforce, leading to increased productivity.

You can find out more here

Barriers faced by disabled entrepreneurs revealed

Disabled entrepreneurs are being held back by widespread financial, operational and accessibility barriers. This is according to the final report of The Lilac Review, which highlights the disadvantages faced by UK business owners who have a disability or long-term health condition. The report revealed that nearly half of disabled business owners indicated that access to finance was a major barrier, while one in three believed that existing business support schemes lacked adequate accommodations.

Read more about the report here 

Hospitality training programmes rolled out across England

UK Hospitality and the Department for Work and Pensions have announced that hospitality training programmes will be launched in 26 areas across England. The Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) will help people into jobs in hospitality and provide them with a Hospitality Skills Passport.

Read more about the programmes here

Employment status guidance for hair and beauty sector

HMRC has published guidance to help people working in the hair and beauty sector determine whether they are employed or self-employed. The guidance includes a list of common signs that can help determine employment status.

The guidance is available here

Updated guidance on recruiting trustees

The Charity Commission has refreshed its guidance on recruiting trustees. The guidance focuses on practical steps charities can take to connect with a broader range of candidates, and to identify and remove barriers that may put people off applying for a trustee role.

Read more about the guidance here

HMRC Guidance: Research and Development Tax Relief Claims in E-Commerce Sectors

We’re sharing an important update from the HMRC regarding Research & Development (R&D) tax relief claims. Businesses in the mail order and e-commerce sectors are being approached by agents promoting R&D claims—often where eligibility does not apply.

R&D tax relief is available only for work seeking an advance in science or technology, beyond routine business improvements.

The HMRC warns:
•    Most claims in these sectors are not eligible
•    Using “no win, no fee” agents does not remove your risk
•    Incorrect claims may result in repayments, interest, and penalties

Businesses are urged to read HMRC’s guidance carefully and consult their Corporation Tax agent before proceeding.

Find out more here 

First Foundation Apprenticeships Announced

The government has announced details of the first seven foundation apprenticeships, created to be an entry level option for young people who need an extra stepping stone onto a full apprenticeship.

Employers who take on a foundation apprentice qualify for up to £2,000 per foundation apprentice, subject to retention and progression.

There are three foundation apprenticeships in construction, two in digital, one in engineering and one in health and social care. All have an eight month minimum duration and funding bands range from £3k to £4.5k.
Planned start date for the first foundation apprentices with employers is 1 August 2025.

New £1 million fund to support Cumbrian communities over the next decade

Community groups across Cumbria are set to benefit from a new long-term fund established by two of the county’s most dedicated civic leaders.

The Matson Ground Fund, founded by Alex and Samantha Scott, will be managed by Cumbria Community Foundation and will distribute £100,000 in grants each year for the next 10 years, creating a total investment of £1 million into charitable activities across the county.

The fund aims to strengthen communities by supporting charitable organisations that bring people together, encourage local action, and enhance the natural and built environment.

Grants of up to £15,000 will be available to charities, non-profits, and volunteer-led groups working within Cumbria. Priority will be given to projects that:
•    Support children and young people, particularly in rural and underserved areas
•    Address the needs of vulnerable or underrepresented communities
•    Promote volunteering and community participation
•    Encourage environmental sustainability and climate-friendly initiatives
•    Foster collective action and community-led solutions to local issues

Applications to the Matson Ground Fund are now open. Further information, including eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply, can be found on the Foundation’s website at: www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/matson-ground-fund

If you would like to discuss a potential application, please contact the Grants Team on 01900 825760 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org

Defra Farming Innovation Investor Partnership 2025

UK registered SMEs can apply for a share of up to £5m to develop innovative farming solutions. This must align with private investment from selected investor partners.

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, will work with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to invest up to £5 million in innovation projects. This funding is linked to Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme delivered by Innovate UK.

The aim of this competition is to:
•    develop ambitious late stage innovative solutions, technologies, systems or approaches that will make significant steps towards improving productivity, profitability, increasing sustainability and resilience
•    help the agriculture sector move towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050
•    support commercialisation of late stage experimental development projects that are close to market and ultimately their adoption by farmers

Your proposal must be able to demonstrate how the project will benefit farmers, growers or foresters in England.

To be offered grant funding your project must be assessed as eligible for grant funding and must have secured aligned investment with a lead investor from the pool. You can view the areas of expertise and investment preferences for the pool of investors.

Successful UK registered SME’s will receive:
•    grant funding from Innovate UK
•    aligned investment funding with one of the programme’s pool of investors acting as the lead investor

The fund is open until 2nd July – find out more and apply here

Barclays Entrepreneur Awards 2025

Now in it’s 10th year the Barclays Entrepreneur Awards are now open. The Awards celebrate British entrepreneurs who are changing their industries, the economy and society in original and positive ways.

There are a number of benefits to being nominated not least increasing your network, get recognition and boost your profile.

Award categories for 2025 are:
•    Breaking Barriers Award
•    High Growth Company Award
•    Innovation in AI Award
•    Innovation in Climate Tech Award
•    Innovation in Fintech Award
•    Innovation in Games Award
•    Innovation in Health and Life Sciences Award
•    Scale Up Company Award
•    Serial Entrepreneur Award
•    Start Up Award

Nominations close at 11:59pm on Monday 30th June – find out more and make a nomination here