Funding and useful resources
Cumbria Tourism Awards 2024 open for entries
The 2024 Cumbria Tourism Awards is now accepting entries until 5pm on Friday 1st March.
This is a very special year to be part of Cumbria Tourism and their flagship Awards. The Cumbria Tourism Awards ceremony in July will be one of the showpiece events of their 50th anniversary programme.
Entries are invited from tourism businesses, local makers and producers and individual nominees for the Unsung Hero Award.
To find out more about award categories and to download the entry forms click here
The Family Business Community: North-West Awards
The North-West Family Business Awards 2024 nominations and entries are now open, and they are inviting you to participate by entering as the business you’re a part of, or nominating one that inspires you.
These awards are more than accolades. They shine a light on the dedication, innovation, and sense of community that family-run businesses cultivate. It’s a moment to celebrate and acknowledge these enterprises’ hard work and achievements.
Whether it’s your venture or a local gem that has caught your eye, nominating is straightforward and impactful. Just visit the Nomination Page and share the story of a family business that stands out to you, or if you are entering your own family business visit the Enter 2024 Page.
Cultural Development Fund opens for bids
The fourth round of the Cultural Development Fund has opened for applications. The £15 million fund provides grants to cultural organisations across England to help level up access to the arts, heritage and culture.
Read more about the fund here
New standard for AI
The BSI (British Standards Institution) has published a new international standard containing guidance on the safe and responsible implementation of AI systems in corporate workflows. The standard has been published in response to BSI research which found that three fifths of adults supported the creation of international guidelines for the safe use of AI.
Read more about the standard here
Could you be Lord Sugar’s next big investment?
Applications are now open for the next series of The Apprentice with Lord Sugar on the hunt for his next business partner.
To find out more click here
Wage subsidy
Copeland Skills & Enterprise Partnership is offering the opportunity to participate in a high quality wage subsidy programme.
To be eligible businesses must:
- be based in West Cumbria
- be a registered business and have been operating for at least a year
- employ under 50 employees
- have a new vacancy or vacated position that is part of business operations
- be able to offer a minimum of 16 hours work per week
The offer:
- Up to £3,000 contribution towards wage and training costs
- Opportunity to develop your candidate with skills relevant to your business
- Workplace mentoring support for the candidate recruited to your business
To get involved contact Chris Cunliffe on 07385 363798 chris.cunliffe@cumberland.gov.uk or Carol Pugh on 07385 362801 carol.pugh@cumberland.gov.uk
Changes to UK company law
Companies House has announced changes to company law which are expected to come into force later in 2024. The changes will be introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and include stronger checks on company names, new rules for registered office addresses and a requirement for all companies to supply a registered email address.
Read more about the changes here
New laws to protect consumers
Fake reviews and hidden fees (dripped pricing) will be added to a list of banned business practices to protect consumers. The changes will be introduced under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill. As part of a review of the Price Marking Order, larger retailers will also be required to provide clearer price labelling.
Read more about the changes here
Energy and fuel costs hinder SME growth
According to research by Simply Asset Finance, soaring energy and fuel prices have hindered the growth of SMEs in the UK over the past year. Around one in five have reported a delay to business investments as a result, with nearly a fifth downsizing and cutting costs.
Read more about the research here
Lakes College New Higher Qualification Launch
Lakes College have launched some new higher level qualifications which can be viewed here
Travel support for UK businesses to attend European events – Apply now!
Innovate UK is offering travel support for companies to attend consortia building events in Europe. Their travel awards are an excellent mechanism for supporting companies who want to expand their networks across Europe and make an impact in collaborative international research and development projects. These awards encourage UK participation, engagement and visibility at international events and aim to accelerate UK involvement in European research programmes (incl Horizon Europe and EUREKA).
To find out more click here where you’ll also be able to view the event listings.
Sustainable Grant Fund closing soon
Lake District Foundation are currently receiving applications from small accommodation providers.
Funds are available to support small accommodation providers to implement more sustainable business projects and practices. These might include:
- Energy efficiency upgrades
- Renewable energy installation
- Water conservation measures
- Water quality measures
- Sustainable building renovations
- Green infrastructure
- Sustainable transport
Qualifying businesses will be awarded up to 50% of project costs to a maximum grant value of £2,000.
Applications close on 19th February – click here to find out more
FM Services Tender Opportunity
A Further Education client is procuring Facilities Management Services for their West Cumbria campus and is seeking reputable companies with a proven track record in directly managing and delivering Facilities Management services in Cumbria. They are proposing to introduce a contract for Hard FM services (including mechanical, electrical, building fabric maintenance), cleaning and grounds maintenance. It is anticipated that all services will be underpinned by technology and robust policies and procedures which will at all times reflect good industry practice within an environment of continuous improvement.
They are looking for a high level of self-delivery by local (Cumbria based) operatives.
The contract is to commence in August 2024 and operate for a period of 3 years with an option to extend the contract by 2years.
Any business interested should email martin@g2gsolutionsltd.co.uk
Catalyst: Creative Residencies in Cumbria
A brand new project in Cumbria to showcase world class creativity is looking for three artists to make new artwork.
Poets, visual and digital artists, writers, theatre and film makers and composers are encouraged to apply for one of three £25,000 opportunities.
Deadline for applications is 3rd March – to find out more and apply click here