Free tool
Have a business challenge or looking to turn an idea into reality try out a new, free HECC tool. It gives you valuable insights on your thinking, drawing on a blend of human, economic, community and cultural themes to enable you to move forward with actionable ideas. This tool is in its test phase so all feedback is welcome and can be sent to gethelp@macrocreation.com.
Try it for free here
UKEF announces new finance products
UK Export Finance has announced two new finance products that will provide support and security for smaller businesses when trading internationally. The Small Export Builder will provide improved export insurance for smaller businesses. A 'Repeat Order Guarantee' will also be introduced, which will enable international buyers to easily access goods and services from UK suppliers without the need for repeated applications.
Read more about the finance products here
Team Barrow unveils its 10-year transformation plan
An exciting and ambitious vision for the future of Barrow has been unveiled by the team tasked with delivering transformational change in the town.
Team Barrow, which is a partnership between the Government, Westmorland and Furness Council and BAE Systems, outlines in its 10-year Plan for Barrow how it will improve the lives and livelihoods of the community and its residents – both present and future.
The Government’s long-term commitment to the UK’s submarine programme has further underlined Barrow’s importance to national defence and security, and this is expected to create thousands of new jobs, both at BAE Systems and within the town’s other businesses and industries.
As a result, Barrow’s population is forecast to grow significantly over the next decade.
To enable this growth and ensure the town continues to deliver critical UK defence programmes, Team Barrow, which is supported by £220m of Government investment and whose board is chaired by former Cabinet Secretary Dr Simon Case, will target improvements in housing, transport, health care, education and skills, town centre, and economic growth and diversification.
These activities will sit under three key themes:
The plan can be read on Team Barrow’s website, www.barrowrising.uk
Do you have a relative who would benefit from a little extra support at home?
Cumberland Council are running a pilot using a simple, easy-to-use device called Ethel to help older adults stay independent in their own homes for longer.
Through Ethel Care, experienced and friendly carers provide support via video calls. They can help with:
Virtual care is not a replacement for in-person visits - it’s an added layer of support to help your loved one feel more confident and connected.
Interested in joining the pilot?
Email: reablement.domiciliaryservice@cumbria.gov.uk
Call: 0300 373 27 29
“Ethel has been a crucial tool in ensuring Dad’s safety and managing his care and support needs at home. He has responded more positively to formal support from Ethel and his support worker than he ever has from his family!” — Family member.
Introducing the BCC's Blueprint for Growth
BCC Blueprint for Growth Report, sets out a bold and practical vision for unlocking the UK’s economic potential.
Built on insights from over 630 businesses and 51 Chambers, the report outlines a clear set of policy recommendations across five key areas:
BCC Calls for No More Tax on Business
Shevaun Haviland, BCC Director General, has warned that if the government is serious about growth, then it cannot tax business any further.
At the BCC’s Global Annual Conference 2025 at the end of June, Shevaun unveiled new research showing the impact of the increase in National Insurance Contributions on firms.
The survey of more than 570 businesses – mostly SMEs – by the BCC Insights Unit, found that:
You can read the full story here
Helping young people to get active
Community groups that help children and young people build confidence and essential life skills through sport and physical activity can apply for funding of up to £5,000 from the New Balance Foundation (NBF) Get Active Fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation.
Since the fund was launched last year, it has supported groups including Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project, which ran outdoor adventure sessions for girls, including climbing, paddle sports, and hiking.
You can read more here
New £1 million fund to support communities
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, is 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 grassroots organisations that bring people together, encourage local action, and enhance the natural and built environment.
You can read more here
SWEF Enterprise Fund – Start-Up Grants
Grants of up to £500 for young people in Cumbria who are launching a new business funded by SWEF Enterprise Fund and delivered by Cumbria Community Foundation.
Who can apply?
You can read more here – Cumbria Business Growth Hub will soon be delivering countywide start-up support which includes a £500 grant so this is a great change to double the funding on offer. Anyone interested please email info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk
SWEF Enterprise Fund – Business grants
Grants of up to £2,000 to young people in Cumbria who are running a new business, to help the business make a transformational change or take a significant step forward in its development. Funded by SWEF Enterprise Fund and delivered by Cumbria Community Foundation.
Who can apply?
• You are aged 18 to 30
• You currently live in the county of Cumbria
• You are running a new business that has been trading for under two years
• Your business turnover is greater than £500 a month
• You are facing financial challenges preventing you from developing your business
• You are either the majority shareholder of the business or all shareholders must be aged 18 to 30
• You have a business bank account or are setting one up
You can read more here - Support is available through Cumbria Business Growth Hub to help complete an application. Anyone interested please email info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk
Treasury appoints entrepreneurship adviser
The Government has appointed the Treasury's first entrepreneurship adviser, who will advise the Chancellor on the Government's entrepreneurship landscape. The advice will focus on addressing the key barriers faced by businesses seeking to start up and scale up in the UK.
Read more about the appointment here
Government publishes its Industrial Strategy
The Government has published its Industrial Strategy, which is a 10-year plan to increase business investment and grow the industries of the future in the UK. According to the Government, the strategy will make it quicker and easier for businesses to invest and will provide the certainty and stability needed for long-term investment decisions.
Read more about the strategy here
Capital funding to unlock growth potential
The British Business Bank will receive £6.6 billion of new capital to boost, grow and support smaller businesses to start and scale in the UK. A £4 billion Industrial Strategy Growth Capital initiative will provide investment for businesses in eight growth sectors. The British Business Bank Industrial Strategy Growth Capital will also invest in smaller businesses and innovation across the eight sectors over the next four years.
Read more about the funding here
New data protection law
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 has received Royal Assent. The Act updates key aspects of data protection law, making it easier for UK businesses to protect people's personal information. Under the Act, some cookies can be used without consent and organisations are required to have a data protection complaints procedure.
Read more about the Act here
University of Cumbria UX & UI Digital Apprenticeships
In today’s fast-changing digital landscape, delivering user-centric experiences is crucial for business success. To stay ahead, developing your team’s UX and UI skills is efficient and affordable thanks to the University of Cumbria’s new digital degree apprenticeships.
The University of Cumbria offers Digital UX Degree Apprenticeship and Digital UI Degree Apprenticeship, both designed to upskill your existing professionals or bring in new talent.
These programmes combine practical learning with industry insights, covering key areas like usability, accessibility, performance, digital development, problem-solving, workplace integration and interactivity.
Benefits include:
For individuals, benefits comprise:
A free, six-week UI/UX Skills Boot Camp, perfect as a taster for the apprenticeship programmes is being offered along with lots of additional support and advice.
Build a stronger, more innovative digital team alongside the University of Cumbria’s Digital Degree Apprenticeships.
To find out more, or to book your bootcamp place, contact Jen Braithwaite - info@jbsconsulting.co.uk
Promote your Eden accommodation for free
Westmorland & Furness Council are again offering all Eden accommodation a FREE standard entry in the ‘Where to Stay’ section of our Visit Eden website.
A standard entry includes your business name, address, email address, telephone number and link to your website. Accommodation can be listed under Hotels, B&Bs and Guest Houses, Self-Catering, Camping and Touring, Glamping or Static Caravan and Lodges and Chalets.
In order to feature, we ask that accommodation operators have a valid inspection certificate. More information on inspection is available our website.
There is also the opportunity to have an enhanced website entry for £81 plus VAT.
If you would like more information email tourism@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Promote your Eden Attraction, Eatery and Conference venue
Westmorland & Furness Council offer a free standard entry on their website in the Attractions, Where to Eat and Conference sections of our Visit Eden website. A standard entry includes company name, address, contact details and website link.
There is also the opportunity to have an enhanced website entry for £81 plus vat. Please contact tourism@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk for more information.
The Eden Tourism Network
The Eden Tourism Network is made up of over 100 representatives from tourism businesses in Eden. The network allows tourism businesses in Eden the opportunity to share information and discuss the latest tourism developments and issues. The group meet on a quarterly basis at venues throughout the local area.
It’s free to join and new members are always welcome. The next meeting will be on Thursday 4 September, 2pm to 4pm. If you would like to find out more about the meetings please get in touch email tourism@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Following the success of the Eden Tourism Network, a similar group is in the process of being set up for the Furness area.
Visit Eden Tourism Grant
A small tourism marketing grant is on offer for tourism related projects in the Westmorland and Furness area. There is a maximum of £500 available per project and the grant is aimed at projects, events and activities which add value to the visitor offer and/or contribute to the visitor economy.
In the past the grant has supported the production of leaflets and supported events.
For more information visit the Visit Eden website or email tourism@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Paediatric First Aid Awareness course
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend The Howgill Family Centre in Cleator Moor on Tuesday 12th August from 9am to 12noon.
There are 12 spaces with bookings being taken via our info@howgill-centre.co.uk
Conversion checklist for Community Interest Companies
The Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies has published a checklist for businesses that want to convert to a Community Interest Company. The checklist ensures that applicants have all the necessary documentation required as part of the conversion process.
Read more about the checklist here
List Your Business on the Net Zero Supplier Directory
We’re pleased to announce the launch of the Innovate UK Business Connect Net Zero Supplier Directory – an online directory connecting businesses delivering net zero solutions with public sector organisations across the UK.
The portal helps raise your visibility to local authorities and wider public sector buyers who are actively seeking suppliers to support their climate and sustainability goals. Public sector users can explore the directory by region and sector and request direct introductions to listed businesses through Innovate UK Business Connect, helping to create new connections and unlock future opportunities.
By joining the directory, your business will be better positioned to access public sector procurement opportunities, connect with potential collaborators, and receive tailored support to strengthen your offer to the public sector.
To join, simply complete the short registration form in the link below. We’re reviewing applications as quickly as possible and will be in touch once your profile goes live.
This is a great opportunity to showcase your expertise and become part of the UK’s growing net zero supply chain.
Call out for tourism businesses to register on our new destination websites
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:
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.
List your business on Discover Carlisle
List your business on Discover Western Lake District
New Report: The Willow Review on SMEs and Sustainability
BCC is pleased to share The Willow Review, a new report published by stakeholders including Small Business Britain, Barclays, and the Department for Business and Trade.
The review explores the financial benefits of sustainability for UK small businesses and offers practical recommendations to help SMEs unlock growth through green practices.
The financial benefits it outlines include:
New research investment fund
UK Research and Innovation has announced a new fund that will provide research and innovation investment to help grow local economies, jobs and skills across the UK. The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund will provide up to £500 million in funding for local authorities, businesses, and researchers and innovators to drive regional and business growth.
Read more about the fund here
Co-op opens community fund
Charities and community groups can apply for a share of the Co-op £5 million Local Community Fund, which can be used to support local causes across the UK. The fund will support local community initiatives that improve mental wellbeing, create opportunities for young people, promote community cohesion or build sustainable futures.
Read more about the fund here
Port Of Workington - Investment Prospectus
A new vision for transforming the Port of Workington into a bustling hub for energy production, manufacturing and logistics industries has been unveiled.
Cumberland Council, who own and manage the port, has produced a new prospectus aimed at attracting new investment to the site. The document, called Building the future: A catalyst for growth on the Energy Coast, outlines the various opportunities at the port and highlights the multi-million investment already taking place there and in surrounding areas.
More than £25 million has been invested by the Government and council in activities directly related to the port, improving things such as infrastructure, road access and warehouse capabilities. This includes £4.5 million of investment via the Workington Town Deal at Oldside remediating contaminated land, with the aim of it being a location to create a clean energy and logistics hub, promoting employment opportunities.
The port currently handles around 300,000 tonnes of cargo each year as well as housing several prominent businesses in sectors such as construction and renewable energy.
The document outlines a number of key opportunities at the port, including:
You can view the full prospectus here
Growth Catalyst Early Stage: New Innovators
Innovate UK have an open competition to provide a package of targeted support to enable ambitious UK registered micro and small businesses to develop highly innovative ideas that have a clear route to commercialisation and business growth across one or more of the five critical technologies.
Your project must focus on at least one of the following critical technologies:
The competition closes at 11am on 6th August, you can find out more here
If you wish to book a discovery call with a member of the North West team click here
