Statement from Cumbria Chamber of Commerce in relation to Carlisle BID

It appears that there are challenges around the Carlisle BID, and rumours circulating around our involvement. So we feel we must make our position clear.

While we were part of the initial Steering Group, we are not currently part of the Board.

In the run up to the vote we encouraged businesses to vote in the BID ballot, regardless of their voting preference. Our priority throughout was seeking strong engagement with the business community and for businesses to have their voices heard and views counted.

We sincerely hope that the BID will prove to be the great opportunity it should be to help Carlisle flourish, and are keen to support that.

However, we have had, and continue to have, concerns. Related to this, prior to the vote, we made clear to the BID Steering Group that we could not support the BID if there was not a commitment to open, transparent and fair procurement of all services. This includes business support but also the range of other services required by the BID. We are not currently in receipt of any funding to deliver business support for the BID, but do intend to bid when an opportunity arises.

We have also been clear that the BID must at all times demonstrate good governance

Food Cumberland Big Local Lunch 2026

Do you fancy taking part in the Big Lunch - the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours and communities, which sees millions of people coming together for a few hours of friendship, food and fun?

Food Cumberland partnership is providing grants of up to £200 per project for groups across the Cumberland area to host events e.g.

• as part of the Big Local Lunch 5-8th June
• Open Farm Sunday on 7th June
• Great big Green Week 6th – 14th June

Some ideas for funds include:

• Showcase local food and drink on menus: locally sourced high-quality meat, a variety of vegetable dishes, highlight healthy and low carbon options.
• Invite farmers, growers or allotment holders to give short talks
• Seed or plant swap table
• Simple grow your own activity (e.g., plant a herb or salad pot)
• Tour of a community garden, allotment or school garden
• Link with a farm for Open Farm Sunday
• Showcase produce from local growers or community gardens
• Growing demonstrations (e.g., composting, sowing seeds, container growing)
• To reduce waste: control portion sizes, plan a menu which minimises waste, provide doggy bags & use reusable cups, cutlery and plates.

You can find out more and apply here 

Changes to Business Rates starting soon

There are some important changes to Business Rates are coming on 1 April 2026.

• New Rateable Values based on 2024 rental estimates
• New multipliers including lower rates for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses. These will automatically be applied to your bill based on eligibility.
• Transitional Relief Scheme if eligible, this will automatically be applied to your bill.
• Small Business Rate Relief Grace Period to be extended from one to three years if you take on a second property.
• 15% relief for pubs.
• New 10-year EV Charging Point Relief for those separately assessed by the Valuation Office Agency.
• You can challenge your 2026 Value from 1 April 2026.

Information about your Business Rates bill is explained here

Great Big Green Week grants available to support community climate action

Community groups across Westmorland and Furness are invited to apply for grants of up to £300 to support local activities for Great Big Green Week, taking place this year from Saturday 6 June to Sunday 14 June.

Thanks to the support of the Westmorland and Furness Council Locality Boards, funding is available for not-for-profit groups planning events that celebrate climate action and encourage people to make simple, sustainable choices. The grants, delivered in partnership with Futureproof Cumbria, can help support activities such as repair cafés, plant swaps, clothes swaps, workshops, talks and other community led initiatives.

Application forms can be downloaded from the Futureproof Cumbria website, and completed forms should be sent to communitygrants@futureproofcumbria.org.uk

Deadline for applications is Monday 4th May 2026.

Reforms to tackle late payments

The Government has announced reforms to tackle late payments. The reforms include a new 60-day cap on payment terms on all large firms when paying smaller suppliers and new mandatory interest on late payments.

The Small Business Commissioner will also be given new powers to tackle late payments.

Read more about the reforms here

Funding for small employers to take on apprentices

The Government has announced plans to encourage small employers to take on young apprentices. From autumn 2026, small and medium-sized businesses will receive an Apprenticeship Incentive of £2,000 for each new apprentice aged 16 to 24 they take on. The incentive is part of wider reforms to create 50,000 more apprenticeships.

Read more about the plans here

Campaign to help people understand their tax affairs

HMRC has launched a new campaign to help people with their everyday tax affairs. The Tax Confident website is aimed at filling in the gaps in taxpayers' knowledge and covers tax basics, working life, small businesses and retirement. It also provides guidance on how taxpayers can examine tax codes, find their National Insurance number and check how much tax they owe.

Read more about the campaign here

eBay to provide funding for business sellers

eBay UK has announced a new partnership with global finance provider Liberis to provide funding to UK business sellers. Flexible Growth Financing will provide sellers with funding tailored to their business needs which they can access as and when they need it. The funding can be used to restock or expand inventory, enhance product listings, or invest in strategic marketing.

Read more about the funding here