We’ve launched a Call for Sites - a key stage in developing our new Cumberland Local Plan. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of our area by identifying land that could be developed or protected.
Landowners, developers, site promoters, Parish and Town Councils, and members of the public can identify sites which they would like to see either protected or developed for a particular use. Uses can include housing, retail, employment, open space, habitat creation, minerals and waste.
There are no size or locational requirements for the submitted sites, but any land submitted must have the landowner’s permission and it must be within the Cumberland Local Plan area. It should not include land within the St Cuthbert’s Garden Village (Carlisle) and the Lake District National Park as these areas of Cumberland are covered by separate Local Plans.
Sites previously submitted to Allerdale, Carlisle, Copeland or Cumbria County Council must be re-submitted, as older submissions won’t be carried forward.
This is not a planning application, and submission does not grant planning permission or any development status. This process is not the same as applying for planning permission; any site submitted through the Call for Sites is not granted any planning status (either permission or allocation), nor does it guarantee any future support from the council for its development or protection.
The Call for Sites is open until Sunday 4 January 2026. After that, all submissions will be assessed and the results published in a report.
Paper forms can be picked up at Cumbria House and the Civic Centre in Carlisle, the Market Hall in Whitehaven, and Allerdale House in Workington.
|
Cumberland Council has secured over £33 million in government funding to deliver a major regeneration programme in Workington, aimed at boosting the local economy, improving transport links, and creating a more vibrant, accessible town.
Two flagship projects will lead the transformation. The Town Centre Public Realm and Connectivity project (£23 million) will create a pedestrian-friendly town centre, reduce traffic impact, and encourage business growth through improved public spaces. The Workington Gateway project (£10 million) will upgrade key roads, enhance walking and cycling access to Hall Park and Workington Hall, and improve connections to the Port of Workington and employment sites.
|
Construction is set to begin in August 2025, with completion expected by spring 2026.
Businesses and residents can join us for a drop-in session at Workington Library (Vulcans Lane) on Thursday 17 July, 3pm - 8pm, to learn more.
Can’t make it? A second session for the general public, will be held on Wednesday 24 July, 3pm - 8pm.
|
Our ambitious £440 million regeneration programme continues with significant milestones secured for some Carlisle projects.
Improvement works to Carlisle Southern Gateway, the Greenmarket, Market Square and Carlisle Station Gateway are all underway - resulting in more than £100 million invested in high quality projects that mark a significant step forward in transforming the heart of the city into a greener and more vibrant place.
Backed by national funding including the UK Government’s Towns Fund, Future High Streets Fund, UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, the coordinated regeneration programme supports long-term growth, sustainability, and high street renewal, while shaping a Carlisle city centre fit for the future.
|
The highly anticipated Cumbria Tourism Awards took place on Tuesday 8 July, at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal. 260 of the county’s leading businesses, individuals and their supporters gathered to celebrate their outstanding achievements.
The winners of 18 awards were announced in the glittering ceremony hosted by inspirational speaker and record-breaking mountaineer Nigel Vardy, also known as Mr Frostbite.
Winners from Cumberland included Muncaster Castle, Bassenthwaite Lakes Station and many more. Congratulations to everyone who took part.
|
View our detailed plans, showcasing the exciting Cumberland Sports Village at:
-
Workington Reds AFC, Borough Park, Workington
-
Workington Town RLFC, Derwent Park, Workington
Supported by UK Government Town Deal, Cumberland Council and Football Foundation funding, the Cumberland Sports Village (CSV) project presents a fantastic opportunity to create a modern, fit-for-purpose stadium facility for both Workington AFC Official and Workington Town Rugby League Football Club.
The plans will be on display right up until Friday 25 July during office hours and match days. Come and find out more about this exciting project.
Two locations, top TV chefs, two entertainment stages, and two days of amazing foodie fun - the Taste of the Sea festival is coming back to Maryport.
Now in its fifth year, the event takes place on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August all around the town’s historic waterfront.
The brilliant new Harbourside event space, part of our £12 million regeneration projects, will host part of the festival, while the rest of the attractions will be on the big showfield next to the Marina.
Some of the highlights will take place on the Demo Stage, which will be located on the Harbourside event space. Jack Stein, son of television star Rick Stein, and now an international chef in his own right, will appear on the Saturday morning, while Cumbria’s own Masterchef winner, Irini Tzortzoglou, will be in action on Saturday afternoon. Scottish seafood ambassador CJ Jackson will be another draw as she talks about working in the likes of the famed Billingsgate Fish Market.
Elsewhere at the festival, there will also be a big Producers’ Market to browse, loads of culinary experts to talk to, hot food and cold drinks, a children’s fairground and more.
As well as the ever-popular music stage, and the rum bar and beer marquee, there will be hot and cold seafood traders, an oyster bar and fish to buy straight from the Chelaris boat. Entertainment will include sea shanty bands, storytelling and roaming street theatre, as well as a children’s Postcard Trail to take visitors all around the town.
|
After the great success of the Teenage Market in Carlisle, We are set to bring the market to Maryport for the first time this summer.
The council is working in partnership with Taste Cumbria and Maryport Horizons CIC to hold the market in the town and to give more young people an opportunity to take part in this fantastic event.
The ‘Pop-up’ Teenage Market will be held as part of the Taste of the Sea festival which is being held in Maryport on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August.
Open to anyone aged between 8 and 25 years the Teenage Market offers young people the opportunity to try a business idea and gain experience of making, selling and marketing their own products in a risk-free environment. A gazebo and table are provided and set up for traders on the day, all they have to do is bring themselves and the products they are selling.
Young traders, from across West Cumbria, are already signing up to take part in the market. With a wide range of products on sale on the day including crochet soft toys and bags, macrame keyrings, 3D printed items, sweet treats and Cumbrian made streetwear shoppers are guaranteed not to leave empty handed.
Photo Credit: Joseph Robinson
|
Over the past few weeks, major refurbishment work has been underway as part of the Millom Town Deal Reactivating Heritage Buildings project - and there’s been some real progress.
One of the most exciting developments has been the installation of new solar panels by Cumbrian specialists Love Solar. These panels are a long-term, sustainable energy solution designed to reduce energy bills and significantly cut carbon emissions. They also generate fewer air pollutants than fossil fuels, helping to create a cleaner, greener future for Millom.
|
As part of the Reactivating Heritage Buildings project, Millom is embracing an exciting future by bringing derelict, vacant, and underused heritage spaces back to life. At the heart of this transformation is the former NatWest bank, soon to become a focal point that will boost creativity, collaboration, and local enterprise.
|
Whitehaven has been recognised as one of Airbnb’s top ten unique Northern towns to explore this summer.
Airbnb is encouraging guests to explore ten unique Northern towns this summer as it’s revealed Brits are twice as likely to have holidayed in the South of England – and now want to break away from crowds. In a shift away from social feeds dictating people’s travel plans, more than one in five UK adults (21%) are seeking experiences in places they’ve never seen on social media, prioritising discovery over Instagrammability.
Whitehaven, listed at number 10, was described as a “coastal gem”. With rich maritime heritage, stunning harbourside views, and a welcoming community, it’s no surprise that travellers are beginning to take notice.
|
Our very own Silecroft Beach makes The Times UK Travel top 50.
'Its elemental magic and wildness of a beach where the fells meet the sea.'
Chris Haslam, Travel writer for The Times visited 756 beaches and 51 resorts over the course of a 4,858-mile circumnavigation of British and Northern Irish shores.
|
Discover Carlisle and the Western Lake District & Coast now have brand new promotional websites to showcase our area to visitors. Businesses can register free of charge by filling out these forms:
Events can also be listed which will help us generate content for our social media channels and promote your activity.
This opportunity is open to all businesses operating in the visitor economy in Cumberland.
The new websites were funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will be the backbone to all of our future destination marketing activity.
Don’t miss out on free ways to boost your business! Claim a free business listing, share your local food stories, (particularly if you’re planning something new this year), show off your menu or products and share a recipe in a ‘Meet the Chef’ feature in the local press. Now is also a great time of year to add a MyCumbria offer for local residents!
Carlisle is expecting in the region of 5,000 visitors to head to the city over three days in July when the University of Cumbria summer 2025 graduations take place.
Graduation ceremonies will be happening at Carlisle Cathedral on 15, 16 and 17 July (inclusive).
Whilst many will be converging from across Cumbria, graduands and their loved ones are also going to be travelling from all corners of the UK and the rest of the world.
Local businesses, employers, and organisations are encouraged to share in the celebrations and help extend a warm welcome to the thousands expected. Dress your windows, fly your flags and take to social media (don’t forgot to tag @CumbriaUni).
You can also email details of your congratulatory messages, or graduation offers, to news@cumbria.ac.uk before the end of June. The University of Cumbria will promote information received with those attending graduation ceremonies as well as sharing through direct communications, university newsletters to staff and students, and social media.
These events are momentous occasions for graduates, their families, and our university community.
Every day University of Cumbria graduates are contributing to the success of our businesses, organisations and public services, in, for and beyond our region.
Graduates also power economic growth and, earlier this year, data from Universities UK revealed that graduates in the North West account for 50% of the workforce.
By 2035 the UK will require a workforce where 61% hold a higher education qualification compared to 52 per cent today. Government forecasts also show that over the next decade the UK economy will need 1.7 million more workers in occupations associated with graduate skills.
|
Enterprising Cumbria, with the support of Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council, is driving forward economic growth across the region. They’ve got two fantastic events coming up that you won’t want to miss!
Cumbria Connect to Work – Market Engagement Session
Friday 18 July 2025
Online Event
Cumberland Council, in partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council and Enterprising Cumbria, is excited to announce an incredible opportunity to partner with us on the Connect to Work programme across Cumbria.
This month, we are launching our market engagement phase for the Cumbria Connect to Work programme to improve employment outcomes across the region, with a particular focus on supporting people who face barriers to entering or remaining in work.
Connect to Work is a voluntary programme, delivering the evidence-based Support Employment model, 'place, train and maintain', via two distinct types of interventions based on the needs of the participant - Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and Local Supported Employment (LSE).
Our ambition is to deliver this programme in partnership with one high-quality provider (service coordinator) who is able to meet set targets for supporting economically inactive adults across Cumbria into work delivering both the IPS and SEQF elements of Connect to Work.
This opportunity seeks a lead organisation to function as a service coordinator, bringing together the rich tapestry of small local delivery organisations embedded in local communities, building capacity and capability within that network and supporting direct delivery where it is necessary and right to do so. The service coordinator will need to invest in their delivery partners to ensure quality services are delivered to all participants across Cumbria regardless of place. Success of the programme is reliant upon integrated referral pathways, employer engagement and participant-centric support.
This in-person session will provide an overview of the Connect to Work programme's aims, delivery model, and commissioning approach. It is an opportunity to:
-
understand the delivery model, programme scope and outcomes
-
contribute your insights and feedback
-
ask questions and engage with the programme team
We welcome attendance from local, regional, and national organisations working in employment, skills, health and wellbeing, and related sectors.
|
Business survival four-day programme - delivered by Box Box Solutions
Take Control - Get Cash Flowing – Move Forward
If you’re lying awake worrying about money, struggling to make decisions, or feeling like you’ve lost grip on your business, this is for you.
Over four powerful sessions we’ll tackle the four things that actually shift a small business out of survival mode.
Reignite: A two-day innovation sprint to breathe new life into your business delivered by Leap the Crowd
Many businesses hit a plateau or face external pressures that threaten their survival. Reignite is a two-day workshop designed for leaders and teams ready to turn things around.
This fast-paced, practical workshop is based on the Double Diamond design process, guiding businesses from problem to solution - fast. The process will help participants to rediscover customer needs, reimagine their offer, and reinvigorate their route to market.
Calm the Chaos – Productivity Strategies for Business Survival delivered by DigiEnable
When everything feels urgent and the to-do list never ends, how do you stay focused and move forward without burning out? This energising session is designed to help business owners and busy professionals cut through the noise and take back control.
Join us to explore practical tools and proven strategies that reduce overwhelm and boost clarity – even when the pressure’s on. With a focus on realistic routines, time-saving systems, and energy-aware working, you’ll leave with simple changes you can make immediately.
Visuals with impact: Using Canva to support your sales funnel delivered by DigiEnable
Great visuals don’t just look good – they drive action. In this practical and inspiring session, we’ll explore how to use Canva to create scroll-stopping content that supports your sales funnel, attracts your ideal clients, and keeps your brand consistent.
Whether you’re starting out or want to level up your marketing visuals, you’ll discover time-saving tools, clever tricks, and template systems to help you design with ease (and without the stress).
Digital diversification – Launch a new revenue stream online delivered by DigiEnable
Looking to pivot your business or add a new income stream? In a world where digital is no longer optional, this session is your roadmap to creating and launching an online offer that works for your audience, and for you.
Whether you’re exploring digital products, virtual services, or scalable offers, we’ll guide you through the process of shaping ideas, validating them quickly, and choosing the right platforms to bring them to life.
LinkedIn for lead generation – Strategies that actually work delivered by DigiEnable
Tired of collecting connections that go nowhere? This session focuses on building meaningful relationships on LinkedIn that lead to real results…no pushy sales tactics, no awkward cold DMs.
We’ll explore how to create a profile that invites conversation, craft content that opens doors, and develop a connection strategy that feels natural, repeatable, and aligned with your brand.
Conference Cumbria 2025
Thursday 2 October 2025
The Chamber’s annual business conference, Conference Cumbria is back for another year, featuring Sara Davies MBE! This year, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce are bringing together 300 people to the Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick for a day of inspiration and networking.
|
There’s also 8hrs of fully funded business adviser support available again focused on the theme of business survival - Cumbria Growth Hub have a great team of business advisers, you can view their bio’s here Advisers & Mentors | Cumbria Growth Hub.
Marketing in 2025: Strategies and Campaigns for an Ever-Evolving Customer Landscape
Thursday 17 July 2025 – 11am to 12pm
Join us for an inspiring session led by Lindsay Gray, the visionary owner of Natterjack Marketing, as she explores the future of marketing in a rapidly changing world. Lindsay will share cutting-edge insights and actionable strategies to help businesses adapt to the dynamic consumer environment. Discover how to craft innovative campaigns, harness new digital tools, and create authentic connections with audiences whose expectations are constantly evolving. This webinar is a must-attend for entrepreneurs, marketers, and industry leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve and drive growth in Cumbria’s competitive business landscape.
Explore new ideas, network with forward-thinking professionals, and prepare your business to thrive in the future of marketing. Secure your spot today and take the next step toward transforming your marketing strategy for success in 2025 and beyond.
|
Become a Member of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce.
Membership of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce is full of practical solutions designed to help you lighten the load of running a business. From expert advice and template documents to staff rewards, savings, connections and promotion, membership is designed to provide you with the expertise and resources you need so that you can focus on achieving your objectives.
|
|
