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 Razza…

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 Cap…

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 hea…

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 mor…

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 Fina…

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 …

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 pa…

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 fo…

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 pro…

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 We…

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 thi…

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 …

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 …

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 Evi…

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 …

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…

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 subgrou…

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…

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. T…

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. T…

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 …

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…

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 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.By Cumbria Chamber of Commerce

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'…

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 …

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 who…

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 U…

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 h…

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: ht…

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 ow…

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 C…

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…

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 ca…

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 dedi…

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.By Richard Miller

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.By Richard Miller

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

By Cumbria Chamber of Commerce

By Cumbria Chamber of Commerce

By Cumbria Chamber of Commerce

By Cumbria Chamber of Commerce

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 Ba…

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 ENG…