Enterprising Cumbria

28/08/2026

📢 The latest Enterprising Cumbria newsletter is here!
There’s lots happening across Cumbria as we head towards the end of summer, with a great mix of business news, opportunities and updates to explore.

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/2026/08/26/enterprising-cumbria-newsletter-26th-august-2026/

24/08/2026

📅 2 weeks today!

If managing your business finances feels overwhelming, this practical online workshop is designed to help.

Join Sue Reeve on Monday 7th September for Finances Made Easy: All Things Finance in 90 Minutes a Week – a fully funded, jargon-free session that will show you how to take control of your finances with a simple six-step weekly routine.

You'll leave with:
✅ A practical system you can start using straight away
✅ A digital finance checklist and supporting resources
✅ Your first 90-minute bookkeeping session already planned

📅 Monday 7th September 2026
🕐 1:00pm–2:30pm
💻 Online
🎟️ Fully funded (one place per business)

Places are limited, so don't miss out. Book your free place today here: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GOIH

21/08/2026

Could your organisation help inspire the next generation of talent?

Foundations First returns to West Cumbria from 2 November to 4 December, supporting 17-24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training to explore careers in construction, engineering and the nuclear supply chain.

Following a successful first cohort, employers are being invited to get involved through work experience placements, site visits, careers sessions, CV workshops and more.

If you'd like to support local young people and help develop Cumbria's future workforce, take a look at the attached flyer and get in touch.

17/08/2026

Donna Dacre, in-house Business Advisor at Enterprising Cumbria, recently met with Shelby, who got in touch for support with launching her new massage and wellness business, Aurora Wellness.

Shelby is setting up the business alongside her full-time NHS role and is providing treatments from premises within another local business, as well as offering a mobile massage service. Looking to build a strong foundation, Shelby was seeking advice and guidance on growing her new business and attracting customers.

Shelby and Donna met at The Bridge, where Shelby shared her plans and the progress she has already made. During the session, they discussed pricing, customer retention, marketing and ways to encourage repeat bookings. They also explored the importance of understanding business costs and ensuring pricing reflects the time and resources involved in delivering treatments.

Donna also signposted Shelby to a range of business support resources, including start-up training opportunities and information on sole trader responsibilities, as well as discussing strategies to attract and retain customers.

We look forward to following Shelby's journey and seeing Aurora Wellness continue to grow.

📈 Are you looking to grow your business, attract more customers, or gain expert guidance to help your business move forward? The Cumbria Accelerator Programme offers free, impartial support tailored to your needs, helping you build confidence and make informed decisions.

Register your interest today and discover how our experienced Business Advisors can support your business journey: https://cumbriaaccelerator.co.uk/

Enterprising Cumbria

13/08/2026

Have you explored the Business Academy yet?

The Business Academy is a free learning platform from the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade helping UK businesses gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to grow.

Whether you're looking to attract new customers, improve efficiency, embrace AI, manage your finances more effectively or explore overseas markets, you'll find practical support from experts who understand the challenges businesses face.

What you'll get access to:

✅ Live webinars with industry experts
✅ On-demand videos you can watch anytime
✅ Practical guidance you can put into action straight away
✅ Content tailored to businesses at every stage of growth

Popular topics include:
· Starting and growing your business
· Marketing and digital skills
· AI and emerging technologies
· Funding and financial management
· Exporting and international trade
· Market opportunities around the world

Thousands of UK businesses are already using the Business Academy to build new skills and uncover growth opportunities.

Join them today and start learning for free -

View and register for upcoming Business Academy events to support your global growth.

08/08/2026

07/08/2026

Happening today!

We're looking forward to meeting even more local businesses.

If you're looking to grow your business, improve the way you work, or explore new opportunities, come along and chat to us about the support available through the Cumbria Accelerator Programme.

📍 The Bridge, Barrow in Furness
🕙 10am to 3pm
📅 Every other Friday

Can't make it today? Pop these upcoming dates in your diary: 21st August & 4th September.

No booking required. Just drop in, say hello, and discover how the right support could be the start of something special for your business.

05/08/2026

Free business support. No catch. No hidden costs.

Join the 1,200+ businesses that have already benefited from fully funded, tailored support designed around their goals.

Whether you're looking for help with sales and marketing, finance, leadership, business planning or your next stage of growth, we'll match you with the right adviser to help move your business forward.

Here's what you'll find at Cumbria Accelerator:

✅ Upcoming events and workshops
✅ Business advice and practical insights
✅ Success stories from businesses across Cumbria
✅ Adviser spotlights
✅ Programme news and updates

Visit https://cumbriaaccelerator.co.uk to find out more, and follow Cumbria Accelerator to stay up to date with the latest support, events and resources.

30/07/2026

Cumbria welcomes investment as Prime Minister's visit highlights county's strategic role.

Cumbria Combined Authority has welcomed today's announcement of a new £5.9 billion Government contract with BAE Systems to continue work on the Royal Navy's Dreadnought Class submarines.

The authority said the investment, together with the Prime Minister's visit to Barrow, sends a powerful message about Cumbria's role as one of the UK's most strategically important counties, supporting national security, skilled jobs and opportunities for future generations.

John Barradell OBE, Interim Chief Executive of Cumbria Combined Authority, said: "This investment is a strong vote of confidence in Barrow, in BAE Systems and in the thousands of highly skilled people whose expertise helps keep our country safe.

"It's also recognition of something people in Cumbria have known for a long time: this county is far more than a beautiful place to visit. We are home to world-leading industries, advanced manufacturing and engineering that are central to Britain's future.

"The Prime Minister’s visit sends an important message about the importance of Barrow and Cumbria to the nation. The work taking place here isn't just important to our local economy; it's vital to the UK's security and resilience.

"This investment gives confidence for the future. It will help create more opportunities for apprentices and young people to develop the skills needed for highly rewarding careers, while supporting skilled jobs, local businesses and supply chains that benefit communities right across Cumbria.

"As the combined authority, we're determined to make sure Cumbria has the skills, infrastructure and investment needed to support this growth, so local people can seize the opportunities being created here and future generations continue to build on the county's unique strengths."

Cumbria Combined Authority

30/07/2026

Supporting Local Innovation: MyTownHub.

This week, our Business Adviser, Donna Dacre, met with Natalie Woodburn, founder of MyTownHub, a Furness-based business and community app that helps residents discover businesses, services and events in one place. With growing user engagement and business subscriptions, Natalie has ambitions to roll the platform out to other towns across Cumbria in the future.

As part of the Cumbria Accelerator Business Support Programme, Natalie received a Growth Canvas Report, which was reviewed during the session. Together, they explored opportunities to grow both the app's user base and business subscriptions, including understanding user behaviour, identifying the types of businesses most likely to convert into paying subscribers, and developing features that add further value for businesses using the platform. Natalie was also signposted to relevant networking opportunities and business training programmes to help strengthen her marketing, business development and growth plans.

Natalie is passionate about supporting businesses and communities across Furness, and it has been fantastic to see MyTownHub continue to develop and gain momentum.

We look forward to continuing to support Natalie over the coming months and following the next stage of MyTownHub's growth journey.

Could your business benefit from free business support? The Cumbria Accelerator Business Support Programme offers tailored advice, guidance and practical tools to help businesses start, grow and thrive. Contact the business support team to find out more and discover how we could support your business, or apply online today by clicking the link below.

https://cumbriaaccelerator.co.uk/