Add your business for FREE to the Allerdale Business Directory
Add your business to our online business directory, hosted on our Visit Allerdale and all new Allerdale Business Website. It's FREE!
Created to ensure all Allerdale businesses are recognised and accessible to everyone all year round. We want to highlight our wonderful local businesses in order to engage with both visitors, other businesses and residents, encouraging them to use it as a ‘one stop shop’.
Each business can assign themselves to a relevant category for easy use, using a very simple online form. The form will asks a few questions, you can upload your images and relevant links and, once checked and approved, details will be published and instantly visible on the Visit Allerdale and Allerdale Business website. Simple!
The information will also be linked to Copeland Borough Council's business index and vice versa. This is part of our detailed economic recovery plan which aims to support our local businesses recover from recent difficulties, thrive and move forward in the future.
Add your business here: Business Directory
Visit our Business Website: Business Allerdale
GLL are recruiting
 GLL are recruiting!
They have several jobs vacancies and are looking for enthusiastic, hard working and reliable individuals to join their teams in Workington, Cockermouth and Maryport.
As the UK’s largest leisure operator and charitable social enterprise, GLL offer careers for everyone across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Whether your ambitions lie in leisure, sport, libraries, events & catering, culture, health & beauty, corporate support or working with children, you’ll be able to find your perfect job at GLL.
Offering unrivalled and award-winning industry training and development. What's more, at GLL there are a range of benefits including pension schemes, discounted leisure centre and gym memberships and a ride to work scheme to name a few. They say: 'We work hard, but we believe in work-life balance and offer a great social scene too.'
For full job descriptions and more information please follow the link and select Allerdale.
Join our Allerdale Business Community Facebook Group
Keep up to date with the latest news, join a network of local business people and share your own posts Click the image to join.
Cumbria Residents' Week 2-10 October
To help businesses recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic Cumbria is holding a Residents’ Week from Saturday 2 to Sunday 10 October 2021.
The objective is to promote participating Cumbrian businesses operating within the visitor economy (e.g. attractions, cafes, accommodation providers, etc) to Cumbrian residents, offering them a chance to win prizes in a draw after making a qualifying purchase of over £10. There is no cost for businesses to participate other than donating a prize (e.g. free entry/ an overnight stay / a free meal / gift voucher) for the prize-draw and the scheme will be actively promoted by the project partners.
The initiative will be administered electronically via the 'residents' week' webpage, participating businesses simply need to verify a qualifying purchase by providing the customer with a code, which will be provided in advance by Allerdale Borough Council. It is hoped that it will become an annual fixture in the Cumbrian calendar.
If you have a business based in Cumbria that operates within the visitor economy and would like to participate in Residents’ Week 2021 then please complete the form on the website and your business details will be added to the Residents’ Week online directory.
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A message from Cumbria Chamber of Commerce
If you haven’t responded already, don’t forget the latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey. This is the largest independent business survey in the UK and a significant economic indicator, used by key decisionmakers. Since the COVID-19 crisis, the QES has consistently demonstrated the scale of impact on UK businesses. The survey has been essential in understanding the short and longer-term impacts on businesses of different sectors and sizes. All data is treated as strictly confidential and will not be passed on to a third party. To take part in the survey, please visit Quarterly Economic Survey
Highways England will change its name to ‘National Highways’, reflecting the new focus on delivering the UK government’s £27bn strategic roads investment programmes. They want your views on where investment is needed most: Future road investment
You can share your views via their new online feedback tool - for road users and those who live near to England’s motorways and major A roads, open until 30th November. This tool has been developed as part of the engagement process for Route Strategies which is one activity used to inform the government’s decisions on future road investment.
Coming next week, more information on plans for the Local Skills Improvement Plan and how you can get involved.
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Improving Your Business
Additional help is available to businesses in Allerdale, thanks to funding from Allerdale Borough Council.
This support is focused primarily on those in the visitor economy, retail and personal services businesses (such as hairdressing and fitness) – because these sectors have been identified by the council as most severely affected over the longest timescale by the pandemic.
You can choose from one of two great support packages:
- A choice of sector specific online workshops on topics such as:
- developing and implementing forward strategies to survive, recover and move forward positively
- reducing costs and increasing margins in a socially distanced world
- customer service challenges and opportunities
- social media and online for your business
Followed by 1-2-1 advice (delivered remotely) to help you take implement actions identified in the workshops.
Upcoming workshops include:
- Managing Customer Emotions- Wednesday, 8th September
- Handling Customer Complaints- Thursday, 23rd September
- Increase income from your hospitality accommodation- Tuesday, 5th October
- Increase the profitability of your accommodation business – Thursday, 14th October
Free* Chamber membership for one year, enabling you to access free 1-2-1 legal and HR advice from dedicated professionals whenever you need it. This can help you through things like redundancies, changes to working practices and much more. You can also benefit from a range of other member services.
Whichever you choose we’ll also link you with any other support available in line with your needs and interests.
*For larger businesses (over 10 employees) support may be subsidised rather than free.
To access sector specific online workshops followed by 1-2-1 advice, please email info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk
To access free Cumbria Chamber of Commerce membership, please click here.
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Messages from Cumbria Tourism
Recruitment Campaign Update
Recruitment lobbying on your behalf
Cumbria Tourism and industry representatives met on 1 September with Liberal Democrat Party leader Ed Davey and Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron. During the visit CT took the opportunity to highlight the impact of both the pandemic and the wider recruitment crisis and voice the need for political support.
This lobbying is just one area of CT activity to support the recruitment crisis. If you haven't already be sure to reserve your free space at our upcoming recruitment fair in Barrow (29 September) - click HERE to learn more and book your space. Our recruitment marketing campaign continues as does the opportunity to advertise your posts free on our digital channels.
Sharing your views
Cumbria Tourism MD also met with representatives from the Bank of England on 2 September to provide information on business impact for the organisation's Monetary Policy Committee.
The information you provide through our Business Tracker allows us to share your concerns at the highest level and achieve real results. Please do continue to complete the survey regularly as your situation changes. Rest assured all responses are anonymous.
Click HERE to share your views.
Love Culture Fortnight - Heritage Open Days -10-19 September
Every September historical and cultural sites celebrate their story with the wider public, opening their doors and sharing their unique stories. This national event is a perfect opportunity to get involved and show visitors and locals alike just how much fantastic culture awaits them in Cumbria.
Alongside reaching out to our dedicated cultural tourism email database CT are planning a range of social media content during 'Love Culture Fortnight' (6-19 September), highlighting unique and fun activities right across the county through our visitor and MyCumbria channels.
Get involved by engaging with our posts and by using the hashtags #Heritageopendays, #theperfectplacetorediscover and #theperfectplacetoreflect as you share your own related content. Don't forget to make the most of our free events listing service as well - click HERE to upload.
Keswick Mountain Festival
Next week also marks the return of the popular Keswick Mountain Festival to the shores of Derwentwater, with outdoor enthusiasts from across the country scheduled to attend. As well as being a major draw for visitors this event is an opportunity to showcase Cumbria as the perfect place to plan an outdoor adventure.
Once again road closures are in operation in certain areas - click HERE to learn more.
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Allerdale Business Website - advertise your vacancies
Did you know you can advertise your vacancies or apprenticeship opportunities on our Business Website? Click on the image for details.
Hedgerow Grants
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The second round of funding for the protection and creation of native hedgerows in Cumbria is now open.
The Fund has £5,000 available in this call, running from 9am Monday 30th August – 5pm Sunday 12th September 2021.
The Real Hedge Fund is made up of donations from businesses, visitors and residents who love the Lake District and want to help the cause of protecting native hedgerows and the wildlife that depends on them.
The Lake District Foundation launched the fundraising initiative in June 2020 in partnership with Ullswater Catchment Management CIC, The Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust and Eden Rivers Trust.
The Lake District Foundation and partners are looking for those who will use the Fund to purchase and plant native hedgerows between 50-100 metres, either double or singled fenced or those looking to restore native hedgerows using techniques such as “gapping up”. This is therefore aimed at farmers, SME businesses, small charities and community groups operating in Cumbria.
The application form and guidance can be viewed here on our website. Thank you to all those who donated to make the grant funding possible. Good luck to all those who apply!
Love your local market
It’s Time to Show Love for Your Local Market
The National Campaign returns this Autumn 16th October to 30th October 2021.
2021 sees the ninth year of NABMA’s “Love Your Local Market” campaign and it has been so successful that it has now been embraced by 24 different countries worldwide.
We estimate that LYLM has given over 11,000 people the chance to sample market trading and at least 1,000 new businesses have been created.
Britain’s biggest celebration of markets is back this Autumn and is highlighting the importance of markets at the heart of local communities and economies.
Many markets rose to the challenges of the last 18 months by offering new services, online shopping and delivery services and it is clear that a rediscovery of their importance for local communities and our high streets is underway.
Love Your Local Market will run across the UK with hundreds of markets taking part. It offers the support of a national campaign, created and supported by NABMA (The National Association of British Market Authorities). The campaign last ran in May 2019 and saw a record year in terms of support, social media and initiatives.
Our local Allerdale markets
We have four fabulous markets in our area. Go along, enjoy and support Keswick Market Thursday and Saturday, Silloth Market Thursday, Workington market Saturday and Wednesday and Wigton Friday Market. Such a lot of great variety to browse and buy.
Want to know more or apply for a stall? Visit: Allerdale Markets
Allergen and Food Labelling Webinar
Natasha’s Law will come into effect from 1 October 2021. The Law will ensure stricter regulations for businesses when labelling prepacked food. Businesses will now have to provide a full ingredients list on pre-packed food to benefit the people who do suffer with allergies.
Ahead of the new law being implemented, the Cumbria Better Business for All group will be holding an online event and welcoming any businesses and organisations which need to learn more about the new law.
During the webinar, there will be members of the Cumbria Trading Standards available on a live chat to answer any questions you may have.
There are two webinar dates to choose from:
- 22 September 2021 at 6.30pm
- 23 September at 2pm
If your business will be affected by this law and you would like to join the online training course, please book your place using the following link:
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Good news stories from this week
Alpacaly Ever After
Delighted to hear in Lancs Live that Alpacaly Ever After at Portinscale, Keswick has been awarded Tripadvisor's prestigious Travellers' Choice Award 2021, ranking it among the travel review website's top 10% of destinations in the world for the second year running. The not-for-profit social enterprise based in rescues and re-homes alpacas and llamas. In a number of recent reviews, visitors have taken to TripAdvisor to rave about their experience with Milky, Barny, Kitty and friends. "Gorgeous chilled animals living their best life with a fabulous team of people who genuinely love them and care for their every need," wrote mrscarolinemeredith. While Adrienne said: "Walking with the alpacas was such a lovely experience, they are so gentle and easy to handle, the park grounds are beautiful and taking the alpacas into the water was great. "We had Popeye and Howard who were both lovely. Our guide Sam was brilliant he knew everything about the alpacas and the park and made our day even better.. I would highly recommend the walk to all ages."
See the full story Alpacaly Ever After . Further info and cuteness abound here.
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Lakes College offering T Levels
Lakes College is to provisionally offer T Levels in engineering and manufacturing.
Designed with input from over 250 employers, T Levels represent a significant reform to the technical education system and will ensure more young people from all backgrounds have access to skilled work or are able to progress to higher education.
Lakes College currently offers T Levels in construction, digital, education and childcare, and health or science. See the full story from Cumbria Crack here.
T-Levels allow students to take a less academic path to gaining the skills and qualifications they need to go into further education or straight into jobs and apprenticeships. They are a two-year course, equal to 3 A-Levels, and provide students with at least 45 days of “on-the-job” experience, enabling them to get first-hand experiences in the fields they are training for. Lakes College page for further info: T-Levels
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Wigton Motor Club unveils new base at Moota
Great to hear in the News & Star that Wigton Motor club has a brand new home. Volunteers from this prestigious local motor club have been the driving force behind the creation of a new headquarters.
The new base at Moota opened last week, and is the culmination of a three-year labour of love for members who have given up their time, skills and energy to develop the project to fruition.
The headquarters contains a meeting room, storage and kitchen facilities, and space for members to work on their cars. Classic cars were proudly on show at the opening event. Wigton Motor Club, founded in 1923, has 800 members from all corners of Cumbria and as far afield as Scotland and the North East. Read the full News & Star story here.
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Upcoming events
Cumbria Chamber Events
Video like a TV Pro
Video training with Susanna Boccaccio of Brilliant Trees Media - Wednesday, 15th September, 10am-1pm.
Due to high demand this course is being repeated. Learn the basics of video producing, filming and editing and create content that will resonate with your audience. Find out more here.
Excel training with Lake Mill Consulting (in person training)
These sessions can be booked as a package at a discounted rate. Spaces are filling up quickly so book now to avoid disappointment!
Introduction to Excel – Wednesday, 6th October, 9am-4pm, Carlisle Racecourse. more.
Intermediate Excel – Wednesday, 3rd November, 9am-4pm, Carlisle Racecourse. more.
Advanced Excel – Wednesday, 1st December, 9am-4pm, Carlisle Racecourse. more.
Further Cumbria Chamber events and workshops here.
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Digital Tech Cumbria Webinars
Webinars start on Tuesday 7th September and run every Tuesday at 10am until January 2022. Follow this link for more details: Digital Tech Cumbria Webinar programme
The first webinar looks at effective use of Ecommerce sites on 7th and the very popular Cyber Security webinar hosted by Cumbria Police is on 14th September
Masterclasses start on Thursday 9th September and run until December with a variety of subjects covered. The Digital Skills Academy offers you access to an exciting range of practical online courses designed to help you develop and hone your digital skills. please follow this link for more details: Digital Tech Cumbria Masterclasses
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Cumbria LEP
Problem-Solving
Leaders solve problems. It's how we get ahead. No excuses, no avoidance - we get on with it. That's how businesses develop - by solving problems others can't or doing so better.
But how do we organise problem-solving in our business? How can we do that so we get the best from our team, whatever its size? How can we work smart, instead of reacting.
In this practical 2-hour workshop you will:
- Hear about the value of problem-solving for leadership and business development.
- Learn how to use design thinking to identify and solve the real problem.
- Discover the power of a problem-solving culture for your business.
- Reframe a problem you are currently dealing with in your business.
Please Register here: Problem-solving.
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