Cumbria Growth Hub Podcast: Recent Episodes
Cumbria Growth Hub
Winning moves is a social enterprise combining business diagnostic, digital, and research and evaluation consultancy with the aim of improving economic, environmental and societal outcomes.
We’re joined by Colin Bell and Maddison Walker to discuss the topic of innovation in business and Winning Moves’ new Innovation Sprint project delivered as part of the Cumbria Accelerator.
Our conversation covers:
- Why is innovation important
- Why do some businesses struggle to innovate
- Breathing life into old products
- What help is available to businesses
- Fostering a culture of innovation
- The role of leadership
- Common misconceptions
- Collaboration
- Managing risk
- Communicating to stakeholders
- Future trends shaping innovation in business
Find out more about Innovation Sprint: https://winningmoves.com/cumbria-accelerator/
A healthy workforce is good for business! Mentally and physically healthy employees mean reduced staff turnover and less absences, which can increase productivity with less money being paid out on sick leave.
To help businesses improve the wellbeing of their staff, the government is piloting a new scheme in Cumbria and Lancashire, which will give businesses an 80% discount on the cost of running workplace health assessments.
We're joined on the podcast this month by Tracey Hudson of Intelligent OH, who are a provider delivering the scheme. Tune in to find out more about how a workplace health assessment can give you actionable advice to help you look after your employees and boost productivity.
For more information, go to contact www.intelligentoh.com/funding or contact Tracey Hudson on 07983 272 357 or email tracey@intelligentoh.com
Information regarding Access to Work funding is available here: Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
This month on the Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast we’re joined by Martyn Staveley of 3 Peaks Consulting. Martyn is leading on our new Supply Chain Pilot Programme, which will offer 1-2-1 support to twelve businesses in Cumbria who are looking to enter new supply chains.
In our conversation we discuss…
Martyn’s background working in national and international supply chains and supporting businesses to access new opportunities; what businesses on the programme can expect (including a meet the buyer event); the need for a supply chain programme in Cumbria; demystifying procurement processes; and the importance of having strong presentation skills to progress through interviews with potential clients.
Anyone looking to get involved in the programme and work with Martyn should get in touch by emailing lesleyr@cumbriachamber.co.uk
More information on the programme can be found here: https://cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/business-support/supply-chain-pilot-programme
This month on the Growth Hub podcast we're joined by Mags Bradshaw of Red Button Marketing Training. Our conversation focusses on Mags’ innovative, straightforward approach to marketing strategy. We discuss:
- What is marketing
- Misconceptions surrounding marketing
- The role of the marketing process
- Communication about marketing accross the business
- Helping marketers navigate their roles and avoid burnout
- The Marketing Performance Framework
- Red Button Marketing Training's upcoming training sessions with Cumbria Business Growth Hub
To join us for ‘Commercial Marketing Strategy’ training and learn how to create your own marketing roadmap click here.
Colin Bell is the Founder and Director of Leap the Crowd and Co-founder and Director of WeDo Content.
We've been working with Colin recently to deliver High Performance FLOW training to business leaders in Cumbria.
High Performance FLOW is a programme designed to help ambitious and hardworking business owners to break through to their next level of growth and performance.
Tune in to find out more about how the concept of High Performance FLOW can help you take your business or career to the next level! We discuss:
- Colin's experience and background
- How does High Performance FLOW work?
- Starting with the individual rather than at the business
- How does the programme help business leaders develop their teams and workplace culture
- The impact of using inspirational speakers in the workshops
- The parellels between high performance in sport and in business
- The pilot project delivered in partnership with Cumbria Business Growth Hub
We're joined by Molly Hogg of Cumbria Action for Sustainability and Lesley Robinson of Cumbria Business Growth Hub to discuss the launch of the W&F Green Enterprise Hub, a dynamic initiative dedicated to supporting local organisations on their journey towards decarbonisation and sustainability.
This month we're joined by business mentor Gail Gravett who is leading on our pilot Mentoring Programme. Tune in to hear how important mentoring is for success in business with lots of examples and insights.
Click here to get involved in our pilot mentoring programme starting January 2024:
We're joined on the Cumbria Growth Hub podcast by Growth Hub client, Matthew Stockwell, Director of Three Hills Gelato. During the episode we discuss:
- Matthew's journey to starting Three Hills Gelato
- How he learned the necessary skills
- The partnership with Torpenhow Farmhouse Dairy
- Sourcing high-quality, natural ingredients
- Coming up with new flavour ideas
- Challenges and successes encountered so far
- And the future of Three Hills Gelato
Check out their website here: https://threehillsgelato.co.uk/
We talk to Sarah Peak from the Department for Business & Trade about:
- The UK's position as an exporter
- How Cumbria compares to the rest of the UK in terms of export
- How DBT can help businesses overcome export challenges
- DBT's Export Academy
- Export Champions
- Trade missions
Find out more information about support on offer from DBT here: https://www.great.gov.uk/
Benchmark Index is a diagnostic tool which provides real time business performance data to create a baseline of the business’s current levels of attainment, an assessment of strengths and weaknesses, and the means to track progress over time.
Cumbrian businesses can now access the Benchmark Index free of charge through Cumbria Business Growth Hub. To learn more email info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk or call 0844 257 8450.
Belfast-based supplier Fibrus have embarked on a project to connect 60,000 premises in the Cumbria to the fastest broadband on the market under the government’s Project Gigabit programme.
As well as creating jobs for local residents, the project will also present opportunities for local businesses to become suppliers of Fibrus and its primary contracter, Viberoptix.
This episode features a conversation with Procurement Director at Fibrus, Neil Burrows, on how businesses can get involved.
Links discussed in the episode:
- Fibrus and Viberoptix's websites
- Fibrefast Full Fibre Broadband | Fibrus
- Viberoptix - Home - Northern Ireland
- Supplier registration email:
- supplier_registration@fibrus.com
- Neil's LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-burrows/
On this month's episode we're joined by Rebecca Smith of Box Box Solutions. As a business and management consultant Rebecca frequently looks for new and innovative solutions to problems faced by her clients. One of those is distributed leadership, a model which moves decsion making from one individual to a collective group.
In our conversation, we discuss distributed leadership, its advantages and how to start incorporating it into an organisation. We also discuss Rebecca's two free-to-attend webinars coming up in July with Cumbria Business Growth Hub:
- 20th July - How to create your MISSION, VISION, PURPOSE AND VALUES - Book here
- 27th July - How to create your HIGH-LEVEL BUSINESS PLAN - Book here
Links to the videos discussed in the podcast:
- Gitte Frederiksen - Great leadership is a network, not a hierarchy - Watch here
- MindSpring Presents: "Greatness" by David Marquet - Watch here
Our guest on the podcast today is one of our business start-up clients, Kellie Cox. After serving as a bomb disposal expert in the British Army, Kellie has now left the army to start her own meditation and wellness consultancy. We discuss Kellie's career in the military, how she got into meditation and how it has helped her through high-stress situations, and Armed Forces Day. Useful links for businesses discussed in our conversation:
- Armed Forces Day - https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/
- Armed Forces Covenant - https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/
- Defence Employer Recognition Scheme - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-employer-recognition-scheme
On this month's episode, Joe is joined by Dr Zoe Billings and Mark Pannone of Adapt & Evolve Consultancy. The conversation covers Mark and Zoe's careers in the Police and how this led them to set up Adapt & Evolve, the importance of biological wellbeing and recognising the physical signs of stress, and steps we can take towards reducing stress.
To hear more from Mark and Zoe on biological wellbeing, make sure you attend our webinar on 28th July. More information - https://cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/business-support/growth-hub-training-events
More information on Adapt & Evolve Consultancy can be found on their website - https://adaptandevolve.co.uk/home/
In this episode we discuss how businesses can improve their cyber security with cyber security expert, Andy Mapp.
Joe sits down with Sarah and Ruth from Made Smarter to discuss their work supporting Cumbrian businesses to adopt digital technology. In the podcast we cover:
- What is Made Smarter?
- Grant funding and the approval process
- Workforce development
- Examples of how businesses have used the funding to adopt technology
- How can businesses get inolved
Find out more about Made Smarter here.
Joe interviews Amanda and Naomi from Cumbria Local Enterprise Parternership about their upcoming Skills Bootcamps. The bootcamps offer training in a variety of areas including 3D printing, project management, and leadership and management for the visitor economy. Tune in to find out more!
The latest episode of the Growth Hub podcast features business adviser Ray McReadie who leads on our Workforce Development Service. Find out more here.
Join us as we sit down with previous Growth Hub client, Colin Sneath, owner of A Day's Walk Farm Shop.
To contact Monica from CITB to find out how she can help, email: Monica.Costelloe@citb.co.uk
Join us as we talk to Maria Ramsdale about the new access to finance service available through Cumbria Business Growth Hub
We speak to Sue Barnard from the British Business Bank and how they look at investments and what they can do to help your business.
Business Growth Manager, Eve Halliday talks to Dani Armstrong, Chair of the BBFA to find out about their current activity and future plans.
McMenon's Business Director, Scott Castlehow, joins our Business Engagement and Policy Manager, Richard Miller, to discuss the company's history and growth, as well as providing insight into their recent success with Sellafield.
Budget analysis from Suzanne Caldwell of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and Amy Johnston and Sue Jeffrey of accountant David Allen.
What every business needs to know about Coronavirus.
In this podcast, lawyers Frances Cameron and Luke Donockley, of Muckle LLP, set out the obligations and risks facing employers and outline steps to take to minimise damage to your business.
Keep up to date with the latest information with the Chamber’s Coronavirus Toolkit, which is updated regularly. Click here.
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce members also get access to a free HR helpline. For more information about Chamber membership, click here.
This podcast replaces our Budget Breakfast with RSM, which we cancelled because of the Coronavirus outbreak.
RSM tax partners Stephen Hunter and Anthony Cox talk through Budget tax changes and provide valuable pointers as to how your business should respond.
Click here to download RSM's Budget 2020 checklist.
Chamber Chief Executive Rob Johnston and Armstrong Watson tax partner Graham Poles discuss the Budget.
Understand what it means for your business.
Cumbria Business Growth Hub has been a phenomenal success story.
Since its launch in 2012, the Growth Hub has worked directly with 7,500 businesses and 2,700 individuals looking to start a business, boosting the county's economy by an estimated £252m in GVA.
In this podcast, the Chamber’s Deputy Chief Executive Suzanne Caldwell explains what the Growth Hub is, what it does, and how businesses can benefit.
Find out how Lancaster University Management School can help your business develop and prosper.
Pete Cornwall from LUMS discusses programmes specifically for SMEs in Cumbria covering leadership, productivity, digital technologies for manufacturers, innovation and – new for 2020 – family businesses.
Many of these programmes are available to qualifying businesses free or at reduced cost through Cumbria Business Growth Hub.
For information on Cumbria Forum click here, for the Made Smarter Leadership Programme here, for the Innovation Development Programme here, for Productivity Through People here, for the Family Business Excellence Programme here and for information on undergraduate placements here.
And for details of an upcoming Cumbria Forum Masterclass event with Shaun Wane click here.
We look at the prospects for 2020 and beyond with Councillor Robin Ashcroft, the economy, culture and leisure portfolio holder at South Lakeland District Council.
The conversation covers recruitment difficulties, boosting productivity, greening the economy, revitalising town centres, proposals for a Morecambe Bay barrage and a possible Morecambe Bay Growth Deal.
What SMEs need to know about working with ENGIE, which has won significant contracts to build extra care housing in Cumbria.
Operations Manager Paul Young discusses the opportunities, ENGIE’s procurement criteria and what it looks for in suppliers and sub-contractors.
To find out about how Cumbria Business Growth Hub can help SMEs get work with ENGIE and other large businesses, click here.
The Labour candidate for Workington defends her party’s plans for spending and taxation and set out plans for a £400bn National Transformation Fund.
We challenge her on Labour’s nationalisation proposals and ask if its Inclusive Ownership Funds will deter business investment.
The Conservative candidate for Carlisle on trade and immigration after Brexit, tackling skills shortages and escalating costs for business.
We ask him if the North is getting a raw deal on infrastructure and why the Conservative manifesto makes no mention of nuclear new build.
The Lib Dem candidate for Westmorland & Lonsdale predicts the outcome of the General Election and takes questions on Brexit, business rates, lifelong learning and other policies.
We ask him why nuclear power doesn’t get a mention in the Lib Dem manifesto and why the party wants to axe one of the submarines being built by BAE Systems in Barrow.
Employment lawyer Nigel Crebbin, of Burnetts Solicitors, looks at what businesses can do when winter strikes.
Are you required to pay staff who can’t get to work? Can you insist that they work from home? What if your premises have to close because of flooding?
This podcast covers all these issues and more.
Lawyer Luke Donockley explores why businesses should prepare for no deal and outlines a seven-step process to put in place. He also touches on the impact Brexit might have on commercial contracts.
Understand what Brexit will mean for data handling and intellectual property rights including copyright, designs, trade marks and patents.
Lawyer Alex Craig, of Muckle, outlines the changes and the likely impacts for UK businesses.
Mark Rowbotham, a consultant in international trade, explores what a no-deal Brexit would mean for exporters and importers.
Understand what you need to put in place to ensure that trade continues to flow smoothly.
The implications of Brexit for EU nationals already in the UK, those looking to work here and for UK nationals who need to work in the EU.
Lee Petts, of Seekly Recruitment, sets out what employers need to be doing to ensure they can retain and recruit the people they need.
Simon Hart and Richard Arnott from the accountancy specialist RSM explore last-minute Brexit preparations and the likely impact of Brexit on Cumbria and the wider economy.
Simon is RSM's national lead Brexit partner, who spends his days analysing Brexit risks and advising clients how to manage them, while Richard is a consulting director based in Cumbria.
Luke Christian of Lakeland Mues tells the story behind the business and how persistence earned them a listing at Booths supermarkets – with help from our Supply Chain Opportunity Club.
Lakeland Mues’ luxury muesli blends are now available in Booths’ stores in Windermere, Penwortham, Ulverston, Penrith, Ilkley, Longton, Keswick, Lytham, Garstang, Ripon and St Annes.
To find out how the Growth Hub can help your business target new markets, click here or call 0844 257 84 50.
One of the UK’s top economists outlines the prospects for the UK economy as the October 31 Brexit deadline approaches.
Suren Thiru is Head of Economics and Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce. We recorded this podcast when he visited Cumbria to speak at a joint event with the Bank of England.
He considers the implications of a no-deal Brexit and the outlook for growth, interest rates, recruitment and investment.
Click here for the Growth Hub’s Brexit Insight guide to Brexit planning.
One-in-five businesses are affected by cyber crime in any one year. Don’t be the next victim.
In this podcast Jon Hill, a detective with Cumbria Constabulary’s new Cyber and Digital Crime Unit, and Peter McCall, the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner, look at how businesses can protect themselves.
Click here for a training video, links, tools and advice on the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce website.
Hear how Cumbria Community Foundation helps businesses in the county to make a difference to disadvantaged people.
The charity, set up in 1999, has made grants totalling £44m so far.
In this podcast, Chief Executive Andy Beeforth sets out how the Foundation channels donations from businesses and enables them achieve their corporate social responsibility objectives.
For more information, click here.
In this podcast, organisational development specialist Hazel Lowndes and Suzanne Caldwell, of Cumbria Business Growth Hub, explore ways to boost productivity.
UK productivity – measured in output per worker – lags behind that of Germany, France, the US and most other developed economies.
This podcast asks why that is the case and looks at what we can do about it. Contrary to popular myth, boosting productivity isn’t just about investing in high-tech equipment. Working on people and processes is just as effective.
Click here to find out Cumbria Business Growth Hub can help your business improve its productivity or call us on 0844 257 84 50.
Kirsty Mahoney of the charity Imagine Independence explains how she works with businesses to find employment for people with disabilities.
Low unemployment and a shrinking working-age population are making it harder and harder for Cumbrian companies to recruit.
In this podcast, Kirsty urges employers to embrace the talents and potential of disabled staff who, very often, can be accommodated in the workplace with minimal disruption simply by adopting a flexible approach.
There is more information for businesses on the Imagine Independence website here or email Kirsty at kmahoney@imagineindependence.org.uk
How businesses can deal with sexual harassment in the workplace and avoid harassment claims from employees.
In this podcast Michael Bauer, of Cumbria Employment Solicitors, explains the legal definition of sexual harassment and the responsibilities that employers have, then sets out measures businesses can take to eliminate harassment and reduce the likelihood of claims from employees.
We’ve relaunched Made in Cumbria, the Chamber’s initiative to help the county’s food, drink and craft businesses find new routes to market.
In this podcast, Chamber Chief Executive Rob Johnston talks about the new Made in Cumbria website, featuring stunning photography and telling the stories behind member businesses.
He also outlines big plans for the Made in Cumbria retail outlet in Kendal, our social media campaign and the Made in Cumbria hampers.
Made in Cumbria is open to food, drink and craft businesses whose products are wholly produced or substantially manufactured and finished in Cumbria.
To find out more about membership email Michelle Wiggins at michelle@cumbriachamber.co.uk or call her on 0845 226 00 40.
Find out how Oxley Developments of Ulverston became one of Cumbria’s most successful exporters.
Oxley’s Marketing Manager Jayne Moorby talks about trade missions, using overseas agents, how the company overcomes language and cultural barriers, and the help it receives from the Department for International Trade.
Oxley began exporting in the 1970s and now sells its LED lighting and high-specification components in 34 countries across five continents.
Click here for information on how Cumbria Business Growth Hub can help your business to export or call us on 0844 257 84 50.
Amy Johnston of accountant David Allen explains how Making Tax Digital works and what businesses should do to comply.
The new system launches on April 1st, 2019, initially for VAT.
But according to recent research by the British Chambers of Commerce, thousands of businesses aren’t ready.
Those that fall foul of the new rules will face penalties.
David Allen has produced a handy guide to Making Tax Digital here.
It is also running a series of sector-specific workshops on Making Tax Digital. For information on these click here.
Click here for information on Making Tax Digital on the gov.uk website.
Steve Wilkinson, of Cumbria Manufacturing Service, sets out the help and advice available to SME manufacturers including grants of up to £5,400.
Steve has recently been appointed as an adviser with Cumbria Manufacturing Service.
In this podcast, he explains his how he can help qualifying manufacturer SMEs to streamline their processes, drive up production capacity, innovate, improve business systems and access new markets.
To find out more about Cumbria Manufacturing Service, click here or call Cumbria Business Growth Hub on 0844 257 84 50.
This is the Brexit podcast businesses have been waiting for.
Luke Donockley, a solicitor and Brexit expert with law firm Muckle LLP, explores what businesses can do to prepare for Brexit and what the ramifications are likely to be.
He covers how to go about a Brexit risk assessment, imports and exports, tariffs, obstacles for hauliers, excise duty and VAT, business travel in the EU, trademarks, IP and data protection.
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and Muckle are running a Brexit Breakfast Briefing at Carlisle Racecourse on Thursday February 28th, from 8am to 10am.
This is an opportunity to hear from the experts and put your Brexit-related questions. It’s a free event, to register click here.
When the Lib Dem leader addressed a Chamber event in Kendal, we asked him about Brexit and other hot topics affecting business.
In this podcast, Sir Vince looks at where Brexit is going, including the prospects for 'no deal' and a second referendum.
He predicts that some Labour and Conservative MPs will quit their parties this year to sit as independents.
And we hear his take on energy policy, including nuclear new build, productivity, the future of the high street and HS2.
Find out how food and drink businesses can get their products onto the shelves of regional supermarket chain Booths.
Cumbria Business Growth Hub's Supply Chain Opportunity Club recently hosted an event with Booths where food and drink businesses were able to meet the supermarket's buying team.
In this podcast, recorded at the event, Matt Bruno, Innovation Manager at Booths, explains Booths' procurement process while Eva Chua, Supply Chain Development Manager at the Growth Hub, sets out how the Growth Hub can help businesses to meet Booths' criteria.
For more information on selling to Booths click here.
To see how the Growth Hub can help businesses looking to sell to Booths, and other large firms, click here.
John Scott, of Cumbria Trading Standards, looks at sensible measures businesses can take to be ready for Brexit.
Click here to complete our Brexit preparedness survey.
Here to access the Government’s ‘Prepare for EU Exit’ website.
Here for a tool to help you prepare for EU Exit.
Here for official advice on ‘no deal’ planning.
Here for the British Chambers of Commerce’s Brexit Hub.
And here for advice from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.
We explore how businesses can cater for the 13m people in the UK who have a disability. They represent a market worth £249bn a year.
In this podcast Julia Walker, of Lake District Mobility, talks about practical steps that businesses can take to make themselves more attractive to disabled customers and their families.
Chamber Business Solutions is running a training day, ‘Collecting the Purple Pound’ at Newton Rigg, Penrith, on February 21st, 2019, when Alice Loader, of Alice Associates, will set out how to harness the spending power of disabled customers. Places cost £95 plus VAT for Chamber members or £145 plus VAT for non-members. Email catherynn@cumbriachamber.co.uk
Web resources:
Visit England guide to making your business accessible
Access for All accessibility training for staff
Changing Places disabled toilets
Disability Confident scheme
Shaw Trust website accessibility audit
Building/grounds access audits
Recite Me software for people with accessibility needs
Tiffany Solender is a successful entrepreneur who uses her knowledge and expertise to help other Cumbrian businesses sell overseas.
Her company, Pogu, based at Staveley near Kendal, supplies road safety products for children to customers all over the world.
In this podcast, she talks about her new role as an International Trade Adviser with the Department for International Trade and outlines the range of help available from workshops to export finance and trade missions.
To find out more about the help available to exporters, click here or call Cumbria Business Growth Hub on 0844 257 84 50.
To subscribe to Cumbria Chamber of Commerce podcasts click here.
Detective Superintendent Vicki Ellis of Cumbria Police explains how businesses can help to stamp out the scourge of domestic violence.
Domestic abuse is endemic. Cumbria Police respond to 7,500 incidents every year, of which 4,500 are logged as crimes.
In this podcast, Detective Superintendent Vicki Ellis sets out how employers spot warning signs, which may indicate that an employee is suffering domestic abuse, and how they can support staff who are victims of abuse.
For more information from Cumbria Police click here and for details of the training events for employers in Barrow, Workington and Carlisle click here.
For information on the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse, click here.
David Leadbetter of Inspira explains how employers can get involved in a programme to raise the aspirations of young Cumbrians.
Inspira’s Employer Mentoring Programme is designed to raise the aspirations of young people at secondary school.
It is currently running in North and West Cumbria.
In this podcast David Leadbetter, Contract Manager with Inspira, explains why the programme was set up, the benefits to employers who take part, how youngsters are selected for mentoring and how you can get involved.
Click here to find out more about the programme.
700,000 people in the UK have autism. Sheila Gregory of Carlisle Mencap sets out how and why businesses should cater for them.
Approximately 1% of the UK population have autism, around 700,000 people.
That’s a large potential market for businesses to target as customers and a big pool of labour from which to recruit.
Indeed, people with autism can sometimes have exceptional skills that make them very valuable employees.
In this podcast, Sheila Gregory, Chief Executive of Carlisle Mencap, explains the condition and sets out simple, cost-effective measures that businesses can take to better cater for those on spectrum.
Click here for information on managing an autistic employee.
Click here for more on the Too Much Information campaign.
The man driving plans for a nuclear power station in West Cumbria explains his strategy to save the project.
NuGen’s £15bn plan for a nuclear power station at Moorside, next to Sellafield, would be the biggest private-sector investment Cumbria has ever seen.
But the project is in trouble. NuGen’s owner Toshiba wants out while the Korean company that had been poised to replace Toshiba is having second thoughts. Currently, NuGen is shedding two-thirds of its workforce.
In this podcast, NuGen’s Chief Executive Tom Samson sets out his strategy to save the Moorside project against a tight deadline.
He explains why Kepco of Korea might still invest and why the Government’s proposed ‘regulated asset base’ funding model – which has been blamed for deterring Kepco – could yet be Moorside’s salvation.
He makes a compelling case for a rolling programme of nuclear new build and sets out the lasting benefits that Moorside would deliver for Cumbria.
A third of SME owners face difficulties in growing their businesses. Growth Hub adviser Adrian Luckham offers practical help.
Polling commissioned by the British Business Bank suggests that one-in-three business owners want to grow their businesses but are unsure how to do it.
In this podcast, Adrian Luckham, one of the most experienced advisers with Cumbria Business Growth Hub, identifies the barriers that are holding businesses back and explores ways to overcome them.
To find out how the Growth Hub can help your business, go to our website www.cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk or call us on 0844 257 84 50.
Click here for information on financing your business, here for help on skills and training, here for advice on innovation, here for help for exporters, here for the Supply Chain Gateway and here for the Subsidy Scheme.
Many businesses use WordPress to create and manage their websites. But big changes are coming. Our digital expert Paul Teague explains.
More than a quarter of all websites are created by and managed using WordPress, the most popular online publishing platform on the web.
But big changes are coming. The entire interface that's used to create posts and pages is getting an overhaul.
It could mean that some websites break and many users who were once confident with the platform no longer know how to use it.
The Chamber’s Digital Development Manager, Paul Teague, has road tested the new interface. In this podcast he explains what is changing, what the new platform is like and what businesses can do to be ready.
Paul is leading a WordPress webinar on Tuesday 2nd October from 7-8pm. To register, click here.
If you're unable to attend live, don't worry. Register for the webinar anyway and we'll send out the replay video the day after.
Paul will also be delivering training on the WordPress changes, at dates to be confirmed, starting in the second half of October. To find out more email Catherynn Dunstan Catherynn@cumbriachamber.co.uk
Also email Catherynn if you’re interest in the WordPress training event, ‘Build a WordPress website in a day’ at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, on October 5th from 10am to 4pm.
Lawyer Michael Bauer explains how businesses should respond to employment tribunal claims, or better still avoid them altogether.
The number of employment tribunal claims has doubled since fees for bringing claims were abolished last year.
In this podcast employment lawyer Michael Bauer, of Cumbria Employment Solicitors, explains how businesses should deal with claims, how they can minimise costs and – best of all – how to avoid claims altogether.
Chamber members receive £1m worth of FREE legal expenses insurance for employment disputes as part of our Chamber Protect package. More here.
Plans to develop the former armaments depot at Broughton Moor are taking off. We meet the man behind it all, Nigel Catterson.
Derwent Forest is set to become a model for sustainable living.
The Derwent Forest Development Consortium has unveiled a masterplan to make the former RN armaments depot at Broughton Moor into a national exemplar for sustainable living with up to 2,000 new homes, a hotel, treehouses and lodges, tree-top skywalks, an innovation centre and more.
In this podcast, Nigel Catterson, the businessman whose vision of ‘utropia’ led to the formation of the consortium, explains the thinking behind the project.
Playdale Playgrounds only began exporting in 2009 and now sells to 49 countries. MD Barry Leahey explains how they did it.
The company manufactures outdoor playground equipment at Haverthwaite, near Ulverston, and sells its products across the globe.
It has been so successful at exporting that it was selected as one of the Department for International Trade’s ‘Export Champions’ while Managing Director Barry Leahey received the MBE last year for ‘Services to UK trade and investment and exports’.
In this podcast, Barry outlines why Playdale started exporting, how they selected target markets and overcame obstacles, and who they turned to for help.
He also offers tips and advice for first-time exporters.
The Chamber’s Cumbria Business Growth Hub provides a wealth of assistance to new and existing exporters, whatever their size or sector.
To find out more click here or call 0844 257 84 50.
City Council leader Colin Glover on plans for 10,000 new homes, Borderlands, Carlisle Airport, the Enterprise Zone and boosting the city centre.
Carlisle stands on the cusp of unprecedented growth.
The proposed St Cuthbert’s Garden Village would add up to 10,000 homes, potentially increasing the population of urban Carlisle by a third.
In this podcast Colin Glover, leader of Carlisle City Council, looks at the opportunities and challenges for businesses in the years ahead.
As well as the Garden Village he discusses the proposed Southern Link Road, the Enterprise Zone at Kingmoor Park, the prospects for scheduled flights from Carlisle Airport and the issues facing the city centre.
He also provides an update on progress towards a Borderlands Growth Deal.
Maria Ramsdale of FW Capital explains how the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund helps SMEs in Cumbria.
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund provides loan and equity finance to SMEs that have been turned down by the banks.
In this podcast, Maria Ramsdale of FW Capital, who is responsible for delivering the debt finance element in Cumbria, explains how the scheme works, who is eligible, what they can borrow and what they can use it for.
To find out more about the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, email maria.ramsdale@fwcapital.co.uk or call her on 01768 213074.
Click here to read how NC Training in Barrow benefited from a loan from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
Chamber Chief Executive Rob Johnston explains how businesses can hang on to older workers and bring the best out of them.
By 2030, half of all adults in the UK will be aged over 50. In parts of Cumbria the proportion will be higher still.
Our ‘super-ageing’ population means that the working-age population is projected to shrink by 20,000 over the next two decades, making it progressively harder for employers to recruit staff.
One solution is to retain older workers for longer by persuading them to put retirement plans on hold.
In this podcast Rob Johnston, Chief Executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, looks at how employers can recruit, retain and retrain older workers, and harness their skills and experience to promote business growth.
The British Chambers of Commerce has worked with the Department for Work and Pensions, Aviva UK and the charity Business in the Community on materials to help employers accommodate the needs of older workers.
A toolkit looks at the policies and procedures employers can put in place. There are is also a video and toolkits on specific issues, for example on incentivising older workers through means other than a pay, plus factsheets, research and case studies.
Chartered financial planner David Finan looks at strategies to achieve a comfortable retirement if you’re self-employed.
There are 4.8m self-employed people in the UK but fewer than a third of them are actively paying into a pension scheme.
Some have other strategies to provide retirement income – perhaps selling their business to live off the proceeds or building up a portfolio of buy-to-let property – others have nothing to fall back on but the state pension.
In this podcast David Finan, a chartered financial planner and managing director of the financial advice firm Jardine Finan, examines the options open to self-employed business people looking to achieve a comfortable retirement.
Click here for the Unbiased website listing independent financial advisers and here for VouchedFor where users rate their adviser.
Allerdale is a great place to start a business.
Some 71% of new businesses in Allerdale are still trading three years after launch, well above the national average of 61%.
The high survival rate is in part explained by the pro-business stance of Allerdale Borough Council, which actively funds business support initiatives.
In this podcast, Council Leader Alan Smith talks about plans for new starter workshops, the regeneration of Maryport, selling Allerdale to a wider audience, flood protection, reviving town centres and bringing the Rugby League World Cup to Workington in 2021.
Get the inside track on interest rates, inflation and investment from Bank of England Deputy Governor Sir Jon Cunliffe.
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce is urging the Bank of England to think carefully before raising interest rates.
We delivered that message in person when Sir Jon Cunliffe, the Bank’s Deputy Governor for financial stability, spoke at a Chamber lunch in Kendal last week.
Sir Jon is a member of the Monetary Policy Committee, which voted by 6-3 in June to leave rates unchanged at 0.5%. It meets again on August 2, when many commentators expect an increase to 0.75%.
Chamber Chief Executive Rob Johnston said: “We told him that a rate rise in August could damage businesses by making borrowing more expensive at a time when many are already struggling to cope with rising costs.
“I’m pleased to report that we were pushing at an open door. Sir Jon shares our concerns and is cautious about an early rate increase.”
In this podcast, Sir Jon explains the Bank’s stance on interest rates and ponders why pay inflation and business investment have been sluggish despite growth in the economy and falling unemployment.
Click here to read more about Sir Jon’s visit to Cumbria and click here to read his speech to Cumbria Chamber in full.
Renewed efforts are underway to help more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cumbrian win work in the nuclear sector.
Almost 50 businesses attended an ‘SME awareness day’ in Workington last week to showcase the opportunities available in the sector.
In this podcast, Eva Chua of Cumbria Business Growth Hub, Steve Dixon of Morgan Sindall, and Mark Turner, representing the Supply Chain Sustainability School, examine how SMEs can break into this potentially lucrative market.
Businesses looking to explore opportunities in nuclear can find out more here.
Sign-up here for a free ‘Fit to Tender’ workshop in Penrith on July 20.
Local Enterprise Partnerships - LEPs for short - were the Coalition Government's 'big idea' to drive economic growth in the regions.
But Cumbria LEP has come under fire for poor performance.
In this podcast its new chairman, Lord Inglewood, sets out his vision.
He explains more about the LEP’s role, and looks at the challenges and opportunities for Cumbria arising from Brexit, the Borderlands Growth Deal, and a shrinking working-age population.
Cumbria LEP is drawing up a Local Industrial Strategy, which it hopes will make a “compelling case” to Government and business for investment in the county.
To help shape the document it is hosting consultation events next week in Carlisle, Kendal, Workington and Barrow, and is keen that businesses attend.
The half-day sessions will offer an overview of Cumbria’s economy, the strengths, opportunities and challenges we face, and invite suggestions to address them. To register to attend, click here.
The World Cup is in full swing and Wimbledon fortnight begins on Monday.
Major sporting events like these can cause a headache for employers as staff request time off to watch or, worse still, pretend to be ill and take a sickie.
In this podcast Tom Scaife, a partner and employment specialist with the commercial law firm Baines Wilson, looks at how employers should deal with these issues and how to avoid related discrimination claims.
Research commissioned by Barclays Bank reveals that almost half of SMEs have been targeted by fraudsters, and one-in-four of these has fallen victim.
Where businesses are caught out, the average cost is £35,000.
To mark Scams Awareness Month, Will Hayhurst of Cumbria Trading Standards looks at what businesses can do to protect themselves against the fraudsters.
Eden Council will unveil its Penrith Vision Masterplan this summer.
It will set out how the town will develop through to 2050 including plans for new homes, schools, open space, a new business park and a relief road linking the A66 east of Penrith with M6 junction 41.
In this podcast, Eden Council’s Leader Kevin Beaty explains why the Masterplan is necessary if Penrith is to continue to grow and prosper.
The Government has decided that all businesses - including buy-to-let landlords - will have to use computer software for their accounts, sending quarterly updates online to HM Revenue.
Making Tax Digital is being phased in, starting with VAT next April.
In this podcast, Claire Phillips and Simon Kirkbride, of accountant Dodd & Co, look at the new system and what businesses should do to be prepared.
Businesses are finding it harder to recover overdue debts, according to research from the invoice financing firm Liberis.
A survey carried out in March found that small UK businesses are owed £14.9bn in late payments, up from £13.9bn only six months ago.
A quarter are owed more than £20,000 and half say that aged debts have hindered investment in their business.
They spend, on average, £5,000 a year in time trying to recover these funds.
In this podcast Rob Winder, head of the debt and property recovery team at Burnetts Solicitors, looks at what businesses can do to improve debt recovery and how to identify potential defaulters before they run up big debts.
We are increasingly optimistic that the tidal energy scheme incorporating road crossings of Morecambe Bay and the Duddon is viable.
Things have moved on apace since Chamber Insight first reported on the £10bn project last year.
Rob Johnston, Chief Executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’ve asked Transport for North to consider including the scheme in its strategic plan because we think the economic benefits could be enormous.
“It would slash journey times to Furness and Millom, provide another access to West Cumbria, generate green electricity, potentially alleviate flooding and cut the costs of connecting Moorside to the National Grid.
“It’s the sort of transformational scheme you see in other European countries but all too rarely in the UK. There’s a danger that we concentrate on small, incremental improvements rather than schemes of this scale that will make an impact on Cumbria for 100 years or more.”
In this podcast Alan Torevell, of Northern Tidal Power Gateways, provides an update on progress and reveals that the scheme could provide green energy that is cheaper than nuclear or offshore wind.
The railway from Penrith to Keswick closed in 1972 but rail engineer Cedric Martindale is campaigning to reopen the 18-mile link.
He has formed CKP Railways to take the project forward, sold bonds to raise £400,000 and produced a business case.
In this podcast, he outlines the benefits that reinstating the line would bring and looks at the obstacles that must be overcome.
Find out more about the project here.
Despite the austerity cuts of recent years, the public sector is still a major player in Cumbria.
We have seven local authorities, the Lake District National Park, a major Defra presence and the University of Cumbria.
That’s a big potential market.
In this podcast Kevin Thistlethwaite, an adviser with Cumbria Business Growth Hub, explains how SMEs can bid for contracts with local authorities, government departments and other public sector organisations.
Speaking at a recent Chamber event, the Lancaster University academic Andrew Atherton speculated that Cumbria will benefit as the high cost of operating in London prompts businesses to move out of the capital.
He explores the theme further in this podcast and considers what more Cumbria can do to attract inward investment, where future growth will come from and how we can encourage the businesses we have to scale up.
Andrew Atherton is Professor of Enterprise and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University, and an expert in SME policy.
Click here to find out how to subscribe to Chamber podcasts.
Around half of businesses in Cumbria that try to recruit staff struggle to do so.
With the unemployment benefit claimant count rate as low as 0.7% in parts of the county, and thousands of workers due to retire over the next 10 years, it’s a problem that is expected to get worse.
In this podcast Shane Byrne, Partnership Manager at JobCentre Plus in Cumbria, explains how they can help employers to recruit staff, and how the new Universal Credit is making it easier for claimants to get back into work.
Click here to find out how to subscribe to Chamber podcasts.
The VAT threshold in the UK is the highest in the EU and the OECD.
It has been frozen until 2020 when, in all likelihood, it will be reduced.
Ministers believe that having a high threshold discourages small businesses from growing and fuels the black economy. Are they right?
In this podcast Pauline Jackson, a tax partner at chartered accountant Saint & Co, examines the arguments for and against cutting the registration threshold and looks at other VAT measures the Government might introduce.
To respond to the Government’s call for evidence on VAT, click here. The deadline for responses is June 5.
Click here to find out how to subscribe to Chamber podcasts.
South Lakeland is the fastest-growing economy in Cumbria and North Lancashire and has the lowest unemployment rate in the North West.
In this podcast Councillor Graham Vincent, the Economy and Assets Portfolio Holder at South Lakeland District Council, looks at why its economy is so successful and examines the challenges that success brings.
He also explains the thinking behind the council's revamped business website – www.investinsouthlakeland.co.uk – and discusses the impact of Brexit, the prospects for finding a buyer for GSK at Ulverston, and how South Lakeland is working with other local authorities to boost the economy of Morecambe Bay.
This is English Tourism Week (March 17-25), which aims to celebrate the industry and raise its profile.
In this podcast, Nigel Wilkinson looks at the challenges and opportunities for the sector, which is worth £2.72bn a year to Cumbria.
Nigel is Managing Director of Windermere Lake Cruises, one of the top 10 paid-for visitor attractions in England, and is a director of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership where he leads on tourism issues.
Chancellor Philip Hammond delivered his first Spring Statement on Tuesday.
He was upbeat about the economy, predicting stronger growth, falling government borrowing and falling inflation.
In this podcast, Chamber Chief Executive Rob Johnston looks beyond the spin to assess the impact of the Chancellor’s statement in Cumbria.
And he examines Donald Trump’s proposed steel and aluminium tariffs, which could provoke a damaging trade war.
The last scheduled passenger flight from Carlisle Lake District Airport was in 1993. Twenty-five years later they are about to resume.
In this podcast, Kate Willard of Stobart Group outlines plans to begin daily services to London Southend, Belfast and Dublin from June 4, and looks at the prospects for new routes.
Click here to register for updates about Carlisle Airport.
Click here to find out how to subscribe to Chamber podcasts.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force on May 25, replacing the Data Protection Act.
All businesses that handle personal data must comply – those that fail to do so face potentially crippling fines of up to four times’ annual turnover.
In this podcast Tom Scaife, a partner in the commercial and corporate law firm Baines Wilson, explains the responsibilities and obligations that businesses have, and what they should do to stay compliant.
Malcolm Laidlaw, of ML3 Technical Services, is an expert in food safety and labelling.
In this podcast, he discusses the quality systems and accreditations that food and drink businesses need to supply national regional players such as Booths and industry giants such as Tesco and McDonald’s.
Most of us realise that it's sensible and prudent to make a will, yet only three-in-10 people have made one by the time they die.
In this podcast, Rachael Stephenson, a senior associate at Burnetts Solicitors who heads the firm’s wills, probate and trusts team, explains why it is particularly important for business owners to have a will and sets out what might happen to your assets if you don’t have one.
Obtaining finance is a perennial issue for businesses.
But there are probably more options than ever before, with specialist and peer-to-peer lenders offering alternatives to the high street banks.
In this podcast Mike Robinson, an asset finance broker and partner in Mulberry Asset Finance in Burton-in-Kendal, explains what’s available.
And we introduce the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, which offers loan and equity finance to Cumbrian SMEs.
There’s more in the ‘Financing Your Business’ section of the Cumbria Business Growth Hub website, or call the Growth Hub on 0844 257 84 50.
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund is supported by the European Regional Development Fund, the European Investment Bank, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and British Business Finance Limited, a British Business Bank group company.
The NPIF covers the following LEP areas: Tees Valley Combined Authority, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Warrington, Cumbria, Liverpool City Region, Lancashire, Humber, Leeds City Region, Sheffield City Region, York, North Yorkshire and East Riding.
The project is receiving up to £140,359,192 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information click here.
The funds in which Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund invests are open to businesses with material operations, or planning to open material operations, in, Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West and Tees Valley.
The British Business Bank has published the Business Finance Guide (in partnership with the ICAEW, and a further 21 business and finance organisations). The guide, which impartially sets out the range finance options available to businesses and provides links to support available at a regional level, is available here.
Justine Douglas is one of 60 advisers working with Cumbria Business Growth Hub.
She specialises in providing one-to-one advice to new business on our Business Start-Up Support (BSUS) and New Enterprise Allowance programmes.
In this podcast, she imparts some sound advice for start-ups, and outlines some of the most common pitfalls.
To find out more about BSUS, click here and to find out more about New Enterprise Allowance click here.
The BSUS project is receiving £1,112,686 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, with a £2,225,372 project total. The Department for Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information click here.
Other funding is provided by Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, University of Cumbria, Allerdale Borough Council/Sellafield Ltd’s Social Impact Investment Fund, Barrow Borough Council/Furness Economic Development Forum’s Coastal Communities Project, Eden District Council, Carlisle City Council and South Lakeland District Council.
Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and unmanageable stress affect one-in-six British workers.
Work-related mental ill health costs the UK economy between £33bn and £42bn a year through lost working days, staff turnover and lower productivity.
Yet mental health is still a taboo subject with employers and employees unsure of how to confront the issue.
In this podcast Caroline Robinson, of the mental health charity Mind, explains what employers can do to minimise the impact.
To download a copy of Taking Care of Business, Mind’s guide for employers to mentally healthy workplaces, click here.
To download Mind’s Guide to Wellness action plans for line managers or employees, click here.
or information about how Mind can work with individual businesses, contact your local branch: Carlisle Eden; Furness; South Lakeland; West Cumbria.
A Borderlands Growth Deal could be hugely significant for Cumbria, unlocking major infrastructure schemes such as dualling the A69 and extending the new Borders Railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank through to Carlisle.
In this podcast, Colin Glover, leader of Carlisle City Council and one of the architects of the Borderlands project, explains the thinking behind the Growth Deal in conversation with Rob Johnston and Julian Whittle from the Chamber.
Chancellor Philip Hammond threw the spotlight on research and devleopment tax credits in the November Budget, when he raised the R&D expenditure credit from 11% to 12%.
But what are R&D tax reliefs, how do they work, and how can businesses benefit?
In this five-minute podcast, the Chamber’s finance manager Richard Condron explains all in conversation with Julian Whittle.