Cumbria Accelerator

16/10/2026

Building an organisation that delivers real community impact requires strong foundations behind the scenes.

For Cynthia Waggah, founder of Afrikana CIC, that meant gaining clarity on governance, structure, and balancing social impact with sustainable growth.

Through one to one guidance from Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership via Cumbria Accelerator, complex challenges were broken down into clear, practical steps.

This support helped Afrikana CIC move forward with confidence, strengthening its structure, securing funding, and building partnerships across Cumbria 🤝

💬 “The most valuable part of the support was having one to one guidance that helped me fully understand how to structure Afrikana CIC correctly, both legally and operationally.”

Read the full case study here: https://enterprisingcumbria.org.uk/latest-news-4/2026/case-study-afrikana-cic

15/10/2026

What does it take to build a successful business?

Good ideas are just the start. You need a clear plan, the right team and the confidence to lead.

That’s what Help to Grow: Management helps SME leaders develop.

🎥 Hear from K2 founder Kevin Horton: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/g-73QNDt1bQ

In this episode of the Help to Grow: Management Podcast, host Denis...

14/10/2026

Drop-In Session This Friday – 16th October.

Whether you're looking to attract new customers, improve cash flow, strengthen your marketing, or plan for growth, running a business comes with plenty of challenges.

That's where Cumbria Accelerator can help.

Join us this Friday, 16th October, at our next Drop-In Session and find out about the free support, expert advice, and growth opportunities available to help your business move forward.

📍 The Bridge, Portland Walk, Barrow-in-Furness
🕙 10:00am - 3:00pm
✅ No appointment needed
✅ No booking required
✅ Free, impartial business support
✅ Just drop in and chat with our team

Can't make it this time? Explore the support available and register your interest via our website: https://cumbriaaccelerator.co.uk/

Take the next step for your business with Cumbria Accelerator.

Enterprising Cumbria

13/10/2026

👋 Meet Andrea Whigham

Andrea is the founder of The Hospitality Counsellor, specialising in hospitality, tourism and customer-facing businesses.

With more than 40 years' experience, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insight to help business owners strengthen their businesses and plan for sustainable growth.

Through The Hospitality Counsellor, Andrea supports businesses with:

✅ One-to-one business support
✅ Strengthening business foundations
✅ Creating clear action plans
✅ Business growth support
✅ Connecting with the right support

With a practical and personal approach, Andrea helps business owners make sense of their challenges, identify opportunities and take confident steps towards long-term success.

💬 Whether you're looking to strengthen your business or plan your next stage of growth, Andrea can help you turn your ideas into action.

12/10/2026

🛏️ 🍳 "I've taken more bookings this year than any other year."

If you're running a hospitality business and looking to attract more customers, improve performance or plan your next stage of growth, we're here to help.

Our fully funded, one to one support gives you the opportunity to take a deep dive into your business, identify opportunities for growth, and create a clear plan for moving forward with confidence.

If you're ready to see what's possible for your business, register your interest today.

Find out more: https://www.cumbriaaccelerator.co.uk/

07/10/2026

📢 The latest Enterprising Cumbria newsletter is here!
Across Cumbria, businesses are growing, new talent is being developed and communities are coming together to create new opportunities.

From supporting local businesses and developing skills to new initiatives, events and inspiring success stories, there’s something for businesses, individuals and communities to get involved with.

✨ Catch up on the latest news, discover new opportunities and see what’s happening across Cumbria.

👉 Read the latest edition here: https://cumbriaaccelerator.co.uk/2026/10/07/cumbria-business-news-october-2026/

07/10/2026

AI is everywhere. But where could it actually help your manufacturing business?

Maybe you’re wondering how AI could improve your processes, make better use of the data you already have, or save time without needing a huge IT budget.

Join our free online workshop, AI for Manufacturing: Where to Start and What’s Possible, and find out what’s actually worth exploring.

You’ll learn how to:

✅ Spot practical, low cost ways to use AI
✅ See how other manufacturers are already using it
✅ Avoid costly mistakes and hype
✅ Identify your best first step

📅 Wednesday 14 October 🕐 1pm to 2.30pm 💻 Online

FULLY FUNDED through the Cumbria Accelerator Business Support Programme, with places limited to one per business.

👉 Book your place: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/118830

06/10/2026

Your business is growing. Is your leadership keeping up?

As your business develops, your role needs to evolve too. Help to Grow: Management gives you the practical knowledge, fresh perspective and confidence to become the leader your business needs.

You’ll work through your own challenges, learn from other SME leaders and develop practical ways to move your business forward.

We want to bring the programme to Cumbria, but we need local SME leaders to register their interest to make it happen.

This is an opportunity to invest in your leadership and unlock your business’s next stage of growth.

📧 Interested? Email Donna to register your interest: [email protected]

05/10/2026

Just one week to go!

Are you making the most of digital and AI tools in your business?

Join Liz Hardwick next week for a practical session exploring 5 digital and AI tools every SME should be using.

From saving time on everyday tasks to helping your business run more efficiently, you'll come away with plenty of ideas to explore.

📅 Tuesday 3 November 2026
⏰ 10am – 12pm
💻 Online

Make sure you book your place!

Can't make it on the day? The session will be recorded, so you can catch up afterwards.

05/10/2026

👋 Meet Bex

Bex is the founder of Box Box Solutions, helping solopreneurs and micro business owners grow their businesses with confidence.

Drawing on a career in sales dating back to 2004, Bex brings a wealth of experience across sales, marketing, strategy and business growth.

Through Box Box Solutions, Bex supports business owners with:

✅ Sales support
✅ Marketing guidance
✅ Business strategy
✅ Growth planning
✅ Building strong foundations for long-term success

With a practical, hands-on approach, Bex helps business owners cut through the overwhelm, make confident decisions and put the right foundations in place to grow.

💬 Whether you're just getting started or ready to take your business to the next level, Bex is here to help you move forward with confidence.

Find out more about Box Box Solutions and the support available to your business.