Virtual Christmas Market 2021
Following the success of the virtual Christmas Market in 2020, the decision has been made to relaunch the event this year.
From now until the end of the year the virtual market will be running on visitlakedistrict.com, customers can shop from a wide range of independent retailers, hotels, restaurants, attractions, cultural venues, creative talents and artisans all selling unique gifts and experiences online.
More and more people are doing their Christmas shopping online so make sure your local businesses get on board.
For any Cumbrian businesses who are members of Cumbria Tourism, it is free to advertise online gifts on the county’s Virtual Christmas Market. Non-member businesses can also register as sellers for just £30. You just need the ability to transact online, plus an image and 20 words to describe each item you are selling (up to a maximum of two).
For more information or to get involved, contact campaigns@cumbriatourism.org
|
Workington Hall and parklands - a magical winter light and sound event
 Workington Hall and its parklands are about to come alive with music and sparkle at the venue’s first Winter Light and Sound event.
From 6pm to 9pm on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 December, the historic building and its surroundings will be transformed into a magical illuminated wonderland. Visitors will be able to wander through the footpaths amid a soundscape of music created with schoolchildren and two community choirs.
The event is being organised by Allerdale Borough Council using the skills of Workington based Soundwave and Cockermouth’s Fluid Productions. The team will create a trail of illumination, against a backdrop of singing and ambient music, bringing even more Christmas cheer to the town.
The experience is free and refreshments will be available.
Visitors to the Workington Hall Light and Sound event are asked to wear sensible footwear and bring a torch.
We are encouraging residents and visitors to the event to then take a meal or drink in town. If you would like to promote your business in this way, publicise any promotion you are running for the two evenings, tag the event, updload your offer, or send your offers so we can publicise on your behalf. Please send details to help@businessallerdale.co.uk
 Covid-19 gathers like smoke. Open windows to disperse the particles. Stop Covid-19 hanging around.
Have your say on future leisure provision in Keswick
Keswick residents and business owners last week had the opportunity to have their say on the future of leisure provision in the town in person as the SLL Team held 3 consultation events in Keswick.
The consultation is being run by Strategic Leisure Limited (SLL) on behalf of Allerdale Borough Council. Its aim is to ensure the needs of local residents are considered in the planning and development of any future leisure facilities in Keswick. The council is particularly keen to hear from all members of the community – young and old – to get a complete picture of their needs.
Strategic Leisure has been asked to develop an appraisal of the types of leisure facilities local people would like, as well as carry out an assessment of the situation around the current supply and demand. They will also review the current guidance and priorities of the major sporting bodies, as well as the content of relevant local strategies.
Those wishing to have their say are encouraged to use the online form. It should take no more than five or ten minutes to complete.
Strategic Leisure have also been contacting key stakeholders. This will include meetings with local schools, key businesses and organisations in the area.
The deadline for responses is 3 December 2021.
|
Add your business for FREE to the Allerdale Business Directory
Small Business Saturday - 4th December
The Rise and Rise of Small Business Saturday
American Express has a long history of championing the high street, and is proud to have been a founder of the first ever Small Business Saturday back in 2010 in the US.
Now in its ninth year in the UK, the campaign has grown significantly each year with a record £1.1 billion spent with small businesses on Small Business Saturday in 2020, and 15.4 million people choosing to shop small.
Have you let people know about your favourite small businesses? To support, inspire and promote small business all year round,
let's share recommendations, shop local and buy small to help our local communities.
|
Messages from Cumbria Chamber
Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has been appointed by the Department for Education (DfE) as a trailblazer along with 7 other Chambers across the country.
The aim of LSIPs is to put employers at the heart of local skills programmes. In order to write a coherent plan about the skills gap Cumbrian businesses face, we need to hear opinions directly from businesspeople like yourselves.
We’re asking you to please complete a survey which is designed to provide an opportunity for you as an employer to highlight your skills needs, view of the current strengths and weaknesses of skills provision in Cumbria and potential improvements. It’s only 19 questions and should only take around 10 minutes to complete.
You can complete the survey using this link:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LSIPCumbriaChamber
Participating in the survey is vital in making sure that the LSIP genuinely represents the views and needs of Cumbrian businesses and helps shape future skills provision to meet them.
|
Avian Influenza : Government Guidelines
Following a number of confirmed cases of avian influenza (bird flu) the government has brought in new housing measures to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds.
The housing measures, which come into force today, Monday 29 November, mean that it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.
Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you are now legally required to do this on your farm or small holding. It is in your interests to do so in order to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.
Wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter months can carry the disease and where wild birds are allowed to mix with domestic poultry this can lead to the disease spreading to captive birds. GOV.UK : Avian Flu Advice
|
Recruitment support
Lakes College
In Allerdale we have wide range of brilliant facilities to both support your recruitment process and enhance your employees skills.
Lakes College offers free services to employers who are wanting to recruit apprentices. They are committed to providing a high-quality calibre of candidate to advance your business. To achieve this, the college will ensure all their applicants possess the skills and attributes businesses need from them, as well as the vocational and academic skill set required to successfully complete their training.
Financial support and advice is also available. If you are a small employer (with fewer than 50 employees) there will be no cost to you for training an apprentice aged 16-18 (or aged 19-24 with an Education Health and Care plan or care leaver). If your business has more than 50 employees, you will pay only 5% of the training costs of each apprentice.
|
Jobcentre Plus
The ‘Jobcentre Plus – working together with employers’ leaflet has been put together to show businesses the wide range of services the Jobcentre Plus can offer to grow your business.
Here are just some of the things they can support you with:
- job advertisements – promoting and managing your vacancies through the online Find a job service
- job applications – assist with the sifting and matching of candidates to your vacancies
- funding – exploring potential financial assistance via our partnership network
- visits to your business – to understand your company and develop a tailored recruitment package for you
- an IT suite – with computers and internet access support if you employ someone with a disability (Access to Work)
Business Allerdale
Did you know we have a jobs page? If you have any vacancies or apprenticeships in the Allerdale area, you can upload them to our website. Fill out the short form along with a job description FOR FREE – To take the opportunity to promote your vacancies, simply add them here
We have an events and training calendar showcasing upcoming events, ranging from digital and social media support, HR support, import and export advice, and much more. You can also add your own events and training courses. Keep an eye on this page for any courses which may help with recruitment or upskilling your staff. Click here to see upcoming events.
|
Cumbria Tourism
Don't forget to make the most of the tools and support available from Cumbria tourism, including job vacancy listings on www.visitlakedistrict.com and the new Lake District, Cumbria Jobs Facebook page.
Adding your vacancies couldn't be easier, simply click HERE to complete the short online form.
Cumbria Tourism has also recently become a Cornerstone employer, working with the Cumbria LEP to represent sector and give a Cumbria-wide view of the opportunities available to young people across the county. They shall be reaching out to you soon with further information on how you can get involved.
Receive support from the Cumbria Hospitality HUB
The Department for Work and Pensions has established a localised Hospitality HUB, where employers can make direct contact via email to discuss jobcentre services and recruitment support available in more detail. Download the leaflet HERE.
|
Workington Christmas Market - get involved
 A new Christmas market is coming to Workington this December – just in time to get everyone into the festive spirit.
The event takes place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 December in Risman Place, by the former Debenhams store, right in the heart of the town centre. Visitors will be able to pick up some lovely food, drink and crafts from the stalls, before visiting the town’s usual market, and the high street shops and eateries too. There will be a live music stage, organised by HMV, which will feature local singers as well as the Carnegie Theatre choir.
The Christmas market will also feature a ‘social village’ with local charities and organisations offering practical support and helpful advice.
Elsewhere in town will be the Rotary club’s Santa’s grotto, located in the former Vision Express store in the Washington Square shopping centre. The Council’s regular market will also be happening on the Saturday.
Workington Christmas Market is organised by Allerdale Borough Council, sponsored by Cumbria County Council and Sovereign Centros and supported by the Carnegie Theatre and HMV.
We have limited stalls still available. If you are a local food or drink producer and are interested in trading, please email: ellie.jones@allerdale.gov.uk for a form.
Stalls are only £25 for the weekend!
Please note, you must have public liability insurance in place to trade.
If there are any Outreach organisations who would like to attend in the 'Social Village' area of the market, we're happy to provide you with space for FREE!.
Maryport - Praise indeed
 Well, this was great to read in My London - we think they are really taken with Maryport - we know we are!
'The pretty Lake District town named one of the best places to live where houses are nearly £600k cheaper than in London. This town ticks all the boxes.
Maryport sits on the edge of the Lake District and was recently voted the best place to live in Allerdale.
There's plenty to do in the pretty town with a long list of fantastic attractions, stunning views, places to eat, drink and shop.
And if you're looking to relocate to the north, you'll be happy to know there are eight schools in the area and two are rated 'outstanding by Ofsted and the rest are 'good' and the area has most appealing house prices.' (Image: Kat Gardiner/Getty Images)
See this 'full of praise' article and images here:
Coming soon... the all new Maryport Regeneration Newsletter
 As many of you mayknow, Maryport was successful in bidding for around £14m of funds for investment into our great town. Much work has been going on behind the scenes with the regeneration teams, groups and partners along with Maryport community groups and businesses.
We’ve got plenty to update you on and keep you informed as the projects develop. Therefore, we are delighted to tell you that we have produced an all new Maryport Regeneration e-newsletter, which you can receive straight to your inbox, very soon!
This will be your ‘one-stop shop’ for all things happening within the planned projects in and around Maryport.
We will have regular updates on the Maryport Heritage Action Zone (HAZ), including the Maritime Museum, Maryport Town Hall, shopfront improvements as well as the large projects to develop Christ Church, Empire Yard, The Wave and The Carlton funded through the government’s High Street Fund.
A new Cultural Consortium has been formed and we’ll be bringing you news on a cultural programme for the area. We’re also working closely with the Maryport Business Group (MBG) and we’ve had strong support from the local community and key stakeholders.
So, if you would like to learn more and keep up to date with the exciting news about Maryport, you can sign up today: Maryport Newsletter
North West Family Business Awards 2022
Lots of activity since The Family Business Network announced that nominations were open - do keep nominating the #familybusinesses - it means so much to them when we as the team personally call them up and let them know.
Other ways you can also get involved:
Nominate a Family Business you know via the website
If you are a Family Business, please submit an expression of interest form via the website
Sign up to the newsletter to hear the latest #NWFBA2022 news via the website
Follow their social media channels on Linkedin. Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
Visit the website for further details: North West Family Business Awards 2022
#NWFBA2022 #Northwest #Lancashire #Merseyside #Cumbria #Cheshire #GreaterManchester #Friday13thMay2022
Join our Allerdale Business Community Facebook Group
Keep up to date with the latest news, and join a network local business people. Simply click on the image to join and engage.
Messages from Cumbria Tourism
|
COVID 19 UPDATES
As you will have seen, a number of new government measures come into force tomorrow intended to slow down the spread of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19. This includes compusory face coverings on public transport and in shops (and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers), unless individuals are exempt from doing so. The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is currently in the process of putting together a Q&A for businesses to clarify a number of issues – such as whether wearing masks is mandatory when exiting through the gift shop at visitor attractions. If you have any questions about the updated requirements for facemasks, please do let us know via info@cumbriatourism.org
We will collate your queries to feed through at government level. We will also share the Q&A information as soon as we have it. Also from 4am tomorrow morning, all travellers arriving into the UK must take a PCR test provided by a private test provider on or before day 2 and self-isolate until they receive a negative result (lateral flow tests will no longer be accepted). Individuals must self-isolate in their home or the place they are staying until they receive their test result. Those who test positive, must isolate for 10 days. If PCR test results are delayed, individuals must self-isolate until their test result is known or until day 14 after arrival, whichever is sooner.Full details here
Holiday guide
The Holiday Guide is Cumbria Tourism’s flag ship visitor publication, highlighting the very best places to stay, eat and visit. This editorial guide is placed straight into the hands of potential visitors through both online and in person distribution to inspire readers' holiday plans. 60,000 copies are printed and sent on-demand to both UK and overseas addresses, as well as being downloadable through our visitor-facing website. The guide also receives high levels of coverage across Cumbria Tourism’s various marketing campaigns including #ThePerfectPlaceToBe and is showcases at public and trade shows across the country such as they Great Yorkshire Show and the British Travel & Tourism Show.
Advertising in this guide is an exclusive benefit of Cumbria Tourism membership and has been highly subsidised by Cumbria Tourism, so don’t miss out!
View the 2021 edition of the guide HERE
|
Good News Stories
Calendar by Gift and Stitch Aspatria featured on ITV's This Morning
Delighted to hear in the News & Star / The Cumberland News that Gift & Stitch Aspatria has this week seen one of their products feature on television.
A Peter Rabbit wooden advent calendar, which was featured on ITV show ‘This Morning’ as one of the best children's Christmas advent calendars for 2021.
Reporter Steve Wilson highlighted the best alternative calendars on the market for kids this year to presenters Phillip Schofield and Josie Gibson. In amongst calendars from big brands including Build-A-Bear and LEGO, Gift and Stitch’s product stood firm.
Featuring all the much-loved Beatrix Potter characters, the calendar will have children discovering a new wooden character piece hiding behind the doors each day.
Full Story: Gift & Stitch See the Gift & Stitch Facebook page
|
In-Cumbria Awards 2021
In Cumbria Business Awards 2021 took place at The Halston in Carlisle last week. This year's in person event welcomed over 200 of the county’s top business people. We were delighted to learn in the News and Star that Allerdale business, Lake District Hotels, based in Keswick picked up the prestigious Family Business of the Year award.
Congratulations to all Cumbrian businesses nominated and recognised for all their hard work. Read full story here
|
News & Star Trader of the Week: Keswick's Star Beauty
Star Beauty has just celebrated its 16th anniversary.
Writing on Facebook to commemorate the milestone, it is written: "Happy birthday to Star Beauty."16 years open today, to celebrate, [we are having] mulled wine and mince pies and a snow machine and singing Santa."
Sharon Hodgson, the owner, manager, and founder of Star Beauty spoke of how proud she was to have come this far.
Read the full story here
|
Upcoming events
Digital Tech Cumbria
Using Instagram to support your business – Tuesday 21 December 2021, 10am Book Here
Using LinkedIn to attract new business – Tuesday 11th January 2022, 10am Book Here
|
Northern Powerhouse Trade Mission to Ireland
Opportunities for New Exporters
8th February 2022 - 10 February 2022
This programme includes:
-
OCO Global Ireland presentation:
- How to export to Ireland
- Opportunities/potential for UK businesses to grow in the Irish market
- Information on the 1-2-1 support available from OCO Global Ireland
- Opportunity for 10 delegates to utilise direct support from OCO Global in preparation for the trade mission along with a 1-2-1 meeting in Ireland.
- Evening network reception at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce with like-minded businesses and support organisations located in Ireland
The mission is a great opportunity for companies, who are new to trading overseas, to explore their potential in Ireland and establish connections with in-market contacts.
Book Here
How a US or EU ecommerce fulfilment service can benefit your International online business
Tuesday, 7 December 2021 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Department for International Trade North West have teamed up with warehousing and logistics specialists Fulfilmentcrowd to offer expert insights and insider knowledge for UK companies wishing to set up an overseas fulfilment centre.
Get advice and guidance on:
- The benefits of having an US or EU based 3PL warehouse
- How to set up a US or EU 3PL warehouse
- Servicing US or EU clients from your 3PL warehouse
- Tax and duty considerations
Book here
|
 |
|
Funded by the Welcome Back Fund - funded by ERDF |
|
