Location:
United Kingdom
Description:
This is the podcast feed for Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, with business news and updates and information that is relevant to all Cumbrian businesses, whatever their size.
Twitter:
@CumbriaChamber
Language:
English
Contact:
0845 226 0040
Website:
http://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/
Episodes
Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 28: Innovation Support for Cumbrian Businesses with Tracy Eyres of Innovate UK
3/13/2025
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/
Duration:00:16:57
Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 27: Tackling food waste with Guardians of Grub
2/12/2025
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
Duration:00:19:45
Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 26: Social Value - top tips on getting started with Claire Louise Chapman
1/14/2025
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/
Duration:00:29:50
Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 25: Claire Aindow on education and business at the University of Cumbria
12/16/2024
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/.
Duration:00:21:28
Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 24: Denise Gosney on her appearance on Dragon's Den
11/7/2024
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!
Duration:00:21:11
Growing your brand on social media with Martha Wood Marketing
10/23/2024
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/
Duration:00:24:31
Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 23: Financing business transformation with River Capital
10/16/2024
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/
Duration:00:24:34
Discussing plastic waste in the health care system with Clare Atkinson of Nu Green
9/19/2024
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)
Duration:00:17:13
Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 22: Discussing the Brighter Futures programme with Deborah Naylor and Claire Sands
9/5/2024
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)
Duration:00:20:11
How to retain more of the money you earn as a sole trader with Sue Reeve of Windmill BTS
8/16/2024
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
Duration:00:16:32
Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 21: “Unlocking confidence and clarity” A conversation with business mentors Jacqui Jackson and Keith Jackson
8/14/2024
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
Duration:00:24:32
Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 20: Tim Bloomer of Fell Brewery
7/11/2024
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 employeesTim's thoughts on carbon offsetting Find out more about Fell Brewing here: https://fellbrewery.co.uk/about-2/
Duration:00:30:50
Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 18: Veronica Waller of the Farmer Network on business support for farmers
6/14/2024
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
Duration:00:12:21
Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 17: Inspira CEO Mark Bowman on supporting people into work
6/12/2024
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...
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/.
Duration:00:18:14
Discussing the benefits of going green with Kate Fraser of Hutton John Estate
5/17/2024
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:
Find out more about support on offer through the Westmorland & Furness Green Enterprise Hub here: https://cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/wf-green-enterprise-hub
Duration:00:22:15
Using EDI to create a positive workplace culture with HR consultant Mel Kinsella
4/16/2024
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/
Duration:00:26:57
Discussing the place for plastic packaging with the Plastic Bottles Company
3/19/2024
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
Duration:00:31:18
Launching our Supply Chain Programme with Martyn Staveley
3/13/2024
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
Duration:00:12:17
Discussing Team Evie's Peer Support Service with CEO, Greg Johnston
2/6/2024
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.
Duration:00:33:05
How businesses can help Cumbria reach net zero by 2037 with Steve Curl of Zero Carbon Cumbria
1/10/2024
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? Find out more about Zero Carbon Cumbria here: https://zerocarboncumbria.co.uk/
Duration:00:21:13
