Cumbria Chamber of Commerce Podcast

Businesses in Carlisle will have received information in recent weeks about the Great Border City and plans to establish a Carlisle Business Improvement District (BID). We've invited Adrian Lochhead and Kevin Beaty, who are part of the team working on the Great Border City, onto the podcast to discuss what prompted the BID proposal; how establishing a BID will impact Carlisle; lessons from other cities and how businesses can get involved and share their views.   For more information and to sign up for email updates from the Great Border City team, visit the website here: https://greatborder.city/

This month on the podcast, we're joined by Martyn Staveley, Director of Three Peaks Consulting, to discuss all things international trade and to breakdown our new Export Consultancy service. We discuss: Challenges and opportunities for Cumbrian exporters The impact of global events on international trade Businesses Martyn has helped succeed in exporting Our new Export Consultancy Service including the different levels of support given to new and well-established exporters How the service will work How to get involved Whether you're a seasoned exporter or thinking about getting started, we can provide you with a holistic service tailored to help you reach your goals!  Learn here: Export Consultancy service | Cumbria Growth Hub

This month on the Cumbria Business Growth Hub Podcast, we're joined by leadership coach Alec Pearson to explore our new Leadership Mentoring Programme. We discuss... Current trends within leadership and leadership challenges facing the UK economy The 'accidental manager'  Specific areas leaders are struggling with How the programme will work and expected outcomes for delegates Delivered by Alec Pearson, Cumbria Business Growth Hub's new leadership mentoring programme will provide practical guidance to help leaders make confident decisions, build resilient teams and drive their business forward. Learn more here: Mentoring Programme | Cumbria Growth Hub

This month on the Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast, we welcome Tracy Eyres, Senior Innovation and Growth Specialist at Innovate UK. In this episode, we explore how Innovate UK helps businesses drive innovation, the financial support available for Cumbrian businesses, real-world case studies of successful innovation projects, and opportunities for local businesses to expand into international markets. Tune in to discover how your business can benefit!   Learn more: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/

This month on the Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast we're joined by Gemma Procter Sustainable Tourism Officer at Cumbria Tourism. We discuss food waste, its impact on he environment and steps businesses can take to reduce it. Learn about the national scheme 'Guardians of Grub' and the tools available to help your business reduce its food waste. Go to the Guardians of Grub website by clicking the link below It's time to rise up and tackle food waste • Guardians of Grub

This month on the Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast we're joined by Claire Louise Chapman of the Shared Value Business. The topic of our conversation is Social Value. We discuss: definitions and differences between Social Value and Corporate Social Responsibility; the benefits of embedding social value into a business strategy; top tips for small businesses getting started; and how Social Value looks to evolve in the coming years.  Keep an eye on our website for upcoming Social Value training: https://cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/grow-your-business/train-your-team?st=trainYourTeam Learn more about the Shared Value Business here: https://tsvb.co.uk/  

In this episode, we sit down with Claire Aindow, the Pro Vice Chancellor for Growth and Development at the University of Cumbria. Claire discusses her new role and the university's new campus in Barrow-in-Furness opening in 2025. She also shares how the university is working closely with local businesses to create educational opportunities that meet the needs of the community and economy.   Click here to learn more about the Barrow Campus - https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/student-life/locations/barrow-in-furness/.  

As part of our activity for Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024, we're sharing an interview with Denise Gosney - founder of Razzamataz - which was previously shown at our 'How To Slay the Dragons' event held in partnership with North and West Lancs Chamber of Commerce in November 2024.  Hear Denise's inspiring story all about how she started her Razzamataz and what happened after she appeared on Dragons' Den. For the first time in the Den, a Dragon offered all the money without haggling!

We're joined on the podcast by Martha Wood, founder of Chamber member Martha Wood Marketing. We discuss the role of social media in the marketing industry and how a marketing strategy can help you take advantage of the platforms available.  To learn more about Martha's freelance marketing services visit her website:   https://marthawoodmarketing.com/

We catch up with Head of Debt John Gray and Investment Manager Jonathan Nelson following River Capital's recent expansion into Cumbria after securing the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II Smaller Loans Fund. We discuss investment solutions currently available to Cumbrian businesses; getting investment ready; common challenges and how River Capital can support; sectors in Cumbria with growth potential over the next five years and some of the transformative work businesses have done with funding from River Capital.    Cumbrian businesses looking to learn more should do so via River Capital's website here: https://rivercapitaluk.com/

We're joined on the podcast by Clare Atkinson, Founder and Director of R&D at NuGreen, a sustainability consultancy researching the use of plastic in the health care sector and how resources from medical waste can be recovered and recycled. We discuss NuGreen's work to date, the challenges and opportunities when it comes to using plastic in the health care sector, and a new project funded through the Cumbria Action for Sustainability's W&F Green Enterprise hub looking at reducing plastic waste from medical equipment.  Links: Home - NuGreen (nu-green.co.uk) Westmorland and Furness Green Enterprise Hub (cafs.org.uk)

This month on the podcast we discuss the Brighter Futures programme with Deborah Naylor (Inspira) and Claire Sands (Cumbria Youth alliance). Brighter Futures aims to support young people in Cumbria who are leaving care, through a range of activity inlcluding mentoring, work experience placements and life skills development. Click below to learn more about the different ways employers can get involved... Cumbria Community Foundation - Connecting People Who Care With Causes That Matter (cumbriafoundation.org)

We're joined by Sue Reeve of Chamber member and bookkeeping and training services provider,  Windmill BTS. Our conversation centres around self assessment and expenses with lots of useful tips and advice for sole traders when doing self assessment and other ways to save money! Chamber members can access a 10% discount on Windmill BTS's Business Finance Academy. Learn more here: https://windmillbookkeepingandtrainingservices.com/business-finance-academy/ Click here to download Windmill BTS's free guide on how to retain more of your earnings:  https://my.windmillbts.co.uk/landing/how-to-retain-more-of-your-earnings  

We discuss Cumbria Business Growth Hub's Mentoring Programme with business mentors, Jacqui Jackson and Keith Jackson. Join us to hear about the mentoring process and the powerful effect it can have, supporting business owners to achieve their goals and deliver the business they want. We also discuss some of the success stories of mentoring clients who took part in the pilot mentoring programme last year, the challenges they faced and the progress they made.   We're currently recruiting mentees for this year's programme, starting in September. To find out more and get involved click below… https://cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/business-support/pilot-mentoring-programme

A conversation with Tim Bloomer, co-founder of Fell Brewery, about the business's project aimed at bringing down carbon emissions at their brewery in Flookburgh. We cover: How the business started from two friends brewing beer into a well-known brand with over 40 employees Tim's thoughts on carbon offsetting  Carbon accounting - identifying which parts of the business produce the most carbon Steps to reduce emissions including solar PV Support from Cumbria Action for Sustainability's Westmorland & Furness Green Enterprise Hub  Electric vans  Donating to South Cumbria Rivers Trust  Tim's advice to other small businesses looking to become more environmentally sustainable Find out more about Fell Brewing here: https://fellbrewery.co.uk/about-2/ 

Our guest on the podcast is Veronica Waller of the Farmer Network, who joins us to discuss financial business support available to farms and other land-based businesses in the form of £500 vouchers to work with a consultant of their choice. We discuss recent changes to agricultural policy and subsidies and how farmers can use the vouchers to pay for consultancy to help them navigate these changes. Click here for more information and to apply for a voucher - https://cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/repf-advice-vouchers  

We're joined by Mark Bowman, CEO of careers advice and guidance organisation, Inspira, for a conversation on how the organisation supports people into the workforce and key insights on the current Cumbrian labour market in 2024. We cover... Current challenges faced by clients and what this says about the wider labour market Changing application processes Inspira's work supporting young people  Inspira's work supporting older people back into work Inspira's work with employers Designing the ideal work experience placement To find out more and get involved, visit Inspira's website here: https://www.inspira.org.uk/ or follow them on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inspira-inspiration-for-life/. 

We're joined by Kate Fraser of Chamber member Hutton John Estate. The family-owned estate is home to a range of luxury holiday lets which are busy throughout the year. The topic of conversation is on the business's innovative approach to becoming more environmentally friendly. We also discuss the green business support Kate has received from the Westmorland & Furness Green Enterprise Hub. We cover: The estate's new environmentally friendly holiday cabins Balancing guest experience with conserving energy Using local suppliers Electric Vehicle consultancy support received through the WF Green Enterprise Hub Biomass heating Advice for businesses looking to become more sustainable Find out more about support on offer through the Westmorland & Furness Green Enterprise Hub here: https://cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/wf-green-enterprise-hub  

We're joined on the Cumbria Chamber podcast this month by Mel Kinsella, Director of Chamber member Kinsella HR Solutions. Our conversation is on theme of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), delving into definitions, combatting stereotypes, creating positive work environments for all employees, and the benefits to decision making of diverse thinking. Find out more and contact Kinsella HR here: https://www.kinsellahr.co.uk/  

We talk to Chamber members Julie Doherty and Helen Vanroose-Brydon from the Plastic Bottles Company about their work advising small businesses on the packaging they need; some of the unusual requests they've had over the years; the environmental impact of plastic packaging and how the industry is working to become more sustainable.  Check out their website here: www.theplasticbottlescompany.com

Launching our Supply Chain Programme with Martyn Staveley This month 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

We're joined on the podcast this month by Greg Johnston, Founder and CEO of Chamber member Team Evie. Our conversation delves into Team Evie's new Peer Support Service. A newly-launched service pairing the families of sick children with Peer Supporters, trained volunteers who have also experienced time in hospital with their baby or child. Team Evie are currently looking to recruit Peer Supporters and are asking businesses to spread the word among employees should anyone be interested in getting involved.   For more information businesses should get in touch with Greg by emailing - info@teamevie.org In our conversation on the podcast, we also discuss opportunities for businesses to participate in Team Evie's One Million Steps challenge. Businesses can get involved and raise money by employees walking 10,000 steps per day for 100 days, totalling a million steps. For more information contact Greg on - info@teamevie.org Find out more about Team Evie here.

We're joined this month on the podcast by Steve Curl, Chair of the Strategic Oversight Board for Zero Carbon Cumbria, an initiative which brings together efforts to reduce carbon emissions across Cumbria. We discuss: What is Zero Carbon Cumbria and what are its aims? How are we going to reach net zero by 2037? What does this mean for businesses in Cumbria? How can they get involved? So why should businesses and industry decarbonise, what's in it for them? How big a challenge is this? Do we really think we can achieve net zero in Cumbria by 2037?  Find out more about Zero Carbon Cumbria here: https://zerocarboncumbria.co.uk/

In this episode of the Directors Forum podcast we're joined by Danny Sawrij, Owner of Leo Group, one of our Cumbria Chamber Patrons. We discuss Danny's career from selling chocolate bars in the playground as a boy and then leaving school at 14 to buy and sell cattle, to owning and operating one of the UK's leading specialists and animal by-products and renewable energy. We cover the twists and turns of Danny's career; his outlook on hard work and working relationships; his thoughts on farming and the UK food industry and some amusing anecdotes and lessons learned along they way. Enjoy listening! Find out more about Leo Group - https://leogroupltd.co.uk/ Find out more about Directors Forum - https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/member-services/directors-forum Our Directors Forum is sponsored by Muckle LLP

We talk to Judith Smale of Chamber member Cumbria CVS about the benefits of volunteering for individuals and businesses. Our talk also covers CVS's new volunteering database where individuals can register and search for opportunities (volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk); employer supported volunteering (ESV); support for businesses; and the ESV subgroup.

In the latest episode of the Cumbria Chamber podcast we discuss investment opportunities for Cumbrian businesses through Regionally, an investment service designed to connect private investors with established businesses based in the UK outside of London. In part two of the podcast we talk to Chamber members RfM Accountants who work with Regionally to provide their service, ‘the Regionally Way',  which helps businesses get investment ready. Guests: Jim Odell (CEO of Regionally), Paul Newsham (Senior Director of RfM) and Tony Backhouse (MD of RfM Transform) If you're interested in learning more then get in touch with either: Paul Newsham - pnewsham@rfm-more.co.uk Tony Backhouse - tbackhouse@rfm-more.co.uk

Cumbria's Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is an employer-led and locally owned initiative which aims to set out the key priorities needed to make technical education and skills provision more responsive to the changing needs of employers and the local economy. August 2023 saw the release of this year's LSIP report for Cumbria. Find out more. To discuss the findings of the report we're joined by Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) Engagement Manager, Kevin Warman, and Chamber member and Certified Career & Leadership Executive Coach Alec Pearson. Our conversation is spilt into two parts: Part 1 looks at employability skills, emotional intelligence, and recruitment and retainment. Part 2 looks at challenges surrounding leadership and management, coaching, skills of the future and AI, and what's next for the LSIP. Get involved  To take part in a focus group to discuss skills challenges in your business contact Kevin on kevin@cumbriachamber.co.uk Follow our  LSIP LinkedIn page Follow Kev on LinkedIn Follow Alec on LinkedIn Suggested reflective questions for business leaders provided by Alec Pearson Planning for 2024: What is your successful outcome for 2024? What issues or possibly own self-limiting beliefs might impact this? What lessons can you learn from the last 12-24 months to help you shape a successful strategy? As a result, what are the feasible steps you should take? Does the level of available skills in your organisation support your successful outcome aim?  If not, what skills are required? What additional support do you need required?

Cumbria's Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is an employer-led and locally owned initiative which aims to set out the key priorities needed to make technical education and skills provision more responsive to the changing needs of employers and the local economy. August 2023 saw the release of this year's LSIP report for Cumbria. Find out more. To discuss the findings of the report we're joined by Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) Engagement Manager, Kevin Warman, and Chamber member and Certified Career & Leadership Executive Coach Alec Pearson. Our conversation is spilt into two parts: Part 1 looks at employability skills, emotional intelligence, and recruitment and retainment. Part 2 looks at challenges surrounding leadership and management, coaching, skills of the future and AI, and what's next for the LSIP. Get involved  To take part in a focus group to discuss skills challenges in your business contact Kevin on kevin@cumbriachamber.co.uk Follow our  LSIP LinkedIn page Follow Kev on LinkedIn Follow Alec on LinkedIn Suggested reflective questions for business leaders provided by Alec Pearson What is the culture and value of your organisation and how does this align with current and prospective employees? How are your employees/teams really feeling, i.e., how engaged and motivated are they? What are your employees real desires in their role and development? Is there a great level of trust evident between employees and management? What are the actual/potential technical and professional skills and strengths available in your business? How beneficial would it be for you to develop a skills matrix to understand the skills you need in your organisation v the skills available to you and help with allocating the right role to the right employee? Who is the undiscovered talent in your business? What is the culture, the foundations and processes for your teams, goals?

Welcome back for season 2 of the Directors Forum Podcast, we've had a break, a little bit of a brand refresh but we're back.  In this episode Eve talks to Barrie Roberts of Ennerdale Brewery about beer, socialising, the passion that keeps driving him and how he did it all because 'he only wanted a pint' If you do want to look at any of the beers we talk about they can be found here: https://www.ennerdalebrewery.co.uk/  Or if you would like to visit the Made in Cumbria site click here: https://madeincumbria.co.uk/

We're joined by DC Jon Hill of Cumbria Police's Cyber and Digital Crime Unit to discuss recent updates in cybercrime which businesses need to be on the lookout for. Our conversation also covers the range of current free resources available for businesses to protect against cybercrime. Useful links discussed in the episode can be found below: Police Cyber Alarm: https://www.cyberalarm.police.uk/ North West Cyber Resilience Centre: https://www.nwcrc.co.uk/ NCSC Early Warning system: https://www.earlywarning.service.ncsc.gov.uk/ Cumbria Chamber of Commerce cybercrime advice page: https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/business-support/cybercrime-protecting-your-business-and-staff

On this episode of the Cumbria Chamber podcast we discuss personal brand with CEO and founder of Chamber member Natterjack Marketing, Lindsay Gray. Our conversion covers: The importance of personal brand How to create your own personal brand How Lindsday's own personal brand has helped shape her career LinkedIn and the personal brand pros

Disability Connect's mission is: "to enable organisations to harness and maximise the powerful use of disability awareness to create and sustain an inclusive and supportive working environment." They do this by pairing business leaders with talented disabled mentors, as well as offering diversity mentoring training and speaking events.  In our talk with Steven Jones we cover: Steven's background and how he founded Disability Connect, stigma surrounding disabled people at work, common barriers to work for disabled people, and how businesses can work to become more inclusive.  Checkout Disability Connect's website: https://disabilityconnect.org.uk/

With this Saturday 22nd April being Earth Day, we invited member Eco Group onto the podcast to discuss their work on LOOP technology, which decarbonises methane-rich gas into hydrogen and graphene on site. The technology is soon to be deployed by Eco for the first time in UK. Find out more here.

Join Eve Halliday, Head of Commercial and Business Growth at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce as she speaks to Business owners, leaders and characters of Cumbria and beyond. In this Episode Eve speaks to Caroline Langham, owner at Cote How Lake District Weddings -  https://www.cotehow.co.uk/ . 'Following the path of knowledge'  'takes us through Caroline's career and how she ended up in Cumbria hosting elopement weddings at the beautiful Cote How on Rydal water in the lake district.

In this episode of the Cumbria Chamber podcast, Joe is joined by Caroline Adams from Cumbria Community Foundation and Spencer Hannah director and co-founder of Herdy. The conversation centres on the many ways that local businesses can donate through Cumbria Community Foundation and how Herdy does this as a fund holder, supporting rural communities and upland fell farmers through the herdy fund. 

Join Eve Halliday, Head of Commercial and Business Growth at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce as she speaks to Business owners, leaders and characters of Cumbria and beyond. In this Episode Eve speaks to James Stephens, Managing Director of English Lakes Ice cream lakesicecream.com/. 'Do a little bit of everything' follows James' life from ice cream wholesale, through rebranding and the importance of doing a bit of everything in the business.

Joe interviews Head of Business Engagement & Professional Studies at Kendal College, Sinéad Kay, about apprenticeships. Their conversation covers: The definition of an apprenticeship How apprenticeships are funded The benefits of employing apprentices Top tips for businesses looking to employ apprentices  The growing role of apprenticeships in the UK and the future of education and training Find out more about apprenticeships through Kendal College here.

Join Eve Halliday, Head of Commercial and Business Growth at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce as she speaks to Business owners, leaders and characters of Cumbria and beyond. In this Episode Eve speaks to Johanne Miller, Managing Director of Twoey Toys. 'Hands on Learning' follows Johannes life from cooking Sunday dinner for 60 people to how she treats her staff like family and the importance of getting stuck in.

Lieutenant Colonel Edward Fraser is the Commanding Officer of the 4th Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, in the British Army. In our talk we cover: Ed's career so far; the Army Reserve; employing army reservists; and the professional and personal development opportunities offered by reserve service.  Ed's social media accounts: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ed_Fraser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-fraser-29097a67/ The 4th Batallion's Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/4lancs/?hl=en-gb  

Join Eve Halliday, Head of Commercial and Business Growth at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce as she speaks to Business owners, leaders and characters of Cumbria and beyond. In this Episode Eve speaks to Denise Gosney, owner and founder of Razzamataz theatre schools. 'All for the love of cheese' follows Denise's story from shy schoolgirl to franchise owner and all of the adventures along the way.

Join Eve Halliday, Head of Commercial and Business Growth at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce as she speaks to Business owners, leaders and characters of Cumbria and beyond. In this Episode Eve speaks to Laura Cadman, owner and founder or Laura Cadman Ltd. 'The liberation of realisation' takes us through Laura's story of realising she wasn't OK in her CEO role and why that's one of the most liberating things that's ever happened to her. 

Join Eve Halliday, Head of Commercial and Business Growth at Cumbria Chamber as she speaks to Martin Norris and Claire McLean of Realise HR about their upcoming workshops.  To book your space click here https://www.trybooking.co.uk/BSKR  Remember the HR tech webinar is free to all!   

Join Eve Halliday, Head of Commercial and Business Growth at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce as she speaks to Business owners, leaders and characters of Cumbria and beyond. In this Episode Eve speaks to Alison Welton, Partner and Practice Manager at David Allen accountants. 'A little self belief gets you a long way' shows us just how Alison believed in herself and never took no for an answer to get where she is now. 

Join Eve Halliday, Head of Commercial and Business Growth at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce as she speaks to Business owners, leaders and characters of Cumbria and beyond. In this Episode Eve speaks to Rachael Bell, founder of Rachael Bell wealth Management and a Directors Club sponsor. 'Finding strength in vulnerability' takes us through Rachael's career to date, some of the trials she's faced and how being vulnerable has such huge advantages. 

Join Eve Halliday and guests, Deputy Lieutenant, Clark Door and Lakes Free Range Eggs to learn hear about how and why applying and potentially winning a Queens Award for Enterprise is something you want to think about.

Join Eve Halliday, Business Growth Manager of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce as she speaks to Business owners, leaders and characters of Cumbria and beyond. In this Episode Eve speaks to Edmund Wood, founder and creator of Belgrove Rum. 'Physics and the Science of Rum' covers Edmund's journey through his career to date and why science, detail and dedication are so important. 

Join Eve Halliday, Business Growth Manager of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce as she speaks to Business owners, leaders and characters of Cumbria and beyond. In this Episode Eve speaks to Eddie Black, CEO of The Eco Group. 'Never stop asking questions' covers Eddies's journey through his career to date and why he'll never stop asking questions!

Join Eve Halliday, Business Growth Manager of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce as she speaks to Business owners, leaders and characters of Cumbria and beyond. In this Episode Eve speaks to Andrew Burrell, Managing Director of Enable success. 'Divine Data' covers Andrew's journey through his career to date and why he loves data so much!

Dodd & Co's Client Manager Stu Bell joins our Business Engagement & Policy Manager, Richard Miller to discuss the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Spring Statement.

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.

We analyse Rishi Sunak's Budget. With Chamber MD Suzanne Caldwell and Amy Johnston and Sue Jeffrey of accountant David Allen.