Free Food Safety training

Cumbria Adult Education are offering free Award in Food Safety in Catering level 2 training which looks at preventing contamination, foodborne illnesses, and ensures hygienic practices - protecting your customers and your brand reputation.

Anyone interested should contact Victoria Emmett, Project Lead with Cumbria Adult Learning on 07827 282198 or by emailing victoria.emmett@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Funding platform for construction and manufacturing sectors

A new specialist finance platform has been launched to transform access to funding for small and medium-sized businesses in the construction and manufacturing sectors. SME Funded connects business owners with over 130 lenders offering a wide range of funding solutions tailored specifically to the needs of construction and manufacturing businesses. These include business loans, asset finance, equipment finance, bridging and property finance, motor finance and software finance.

Read more about the platform here

Westmorland & Furness Council – business survey now open

If you own or operate a business in Westmorland & Furness, the Council is asking you to take part in their annual business survey, ensuring views and insights are gathered to inform future economic support strategies and policies.

It’s of crucial importance that business owners and leaders from all types of businesses, from multinationals to those based at home, give their views and share their knowledge.

Issues covered in the survey include levels of confidence for the next 12 months, projected staffing levels, anticipated future business premises needs and the importance of addressing client change and skills.

You can take part in the annual business survey here 

Chamber Business Awards 2026

We are excited to announce that the Chamber Business Awards 2026 are now open for entries!

The Chamber Business Awards are one of the most prestigious events in the business calendar, recognising and celebrating the very best of British business.

New for 2026, the Winner of Winners will be announced at the Chamber Awards Gala Dinner on Wednesday 14 October, bringing together businesses from across the network for an evening of celebration, recognition and connection.

This national awards programme provides an opportunity to showcase your achievements on a national stage, highlight the positive impact your business is making, and gain recognition for your success.

The categories are:

Future of Work award

A business that demonstrates a strong commitment to recruiting, developing and retaining a skilled, diverse workforce, embedding inclusive practices into its culture and showing how this has improved performance, productivity and long-term sustainability.

Connecting Places award

This award celebrates organisations that bring together businesses, communities, education, and public or voluntary sector partners to create opportunity, improve accessibility, and support sustainable economic growth.

Digital Revolution award

A business that has transformed the market that they operate in, or their product or service, by implementing cutting-edge technologies.

Global Britain award

A business that has demonstrated significant and sustained international growth through a clear understanding of overseas markets, proving that borders are not a barrier to trade.

Green Innovation award

This award will recognise organisations with sustainability at the heart of their business. They are fully committed to sustainable best practice and making the world a better and safer place.

Entering is simple, please get in touch with Rebecca Fox at rebecca@cumbriachamber.co.uk with the reason why you should win the award.

Entries close on Wednesday 15 July 2026.