A Stage One finish in Carlisle and a Stage Two start in Keswick have been both confirmed for the 2027 Tour De France.
The men’s Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, with the opening stage finishing in Carlisle the same day, before stage two travels from Keswick on Saturday 3 July 2027 - through the Lake District and Lancashire to finish on The Strand in Liverpool the same day, under the watchful gaze of the city’s iconic waterfront.
Cumberland’s stunning landscapes and vibrant local businesses will take centre stage, captivating thousands of spectators along the route and millions more watching across the globe.
The full UK route was revealed on Thursday 15 January 2026 as host towns and cities were illuminated simultaneously in a nationwide “Tour de Skies” moment, marking the next major milestone on the road to the 2027 Grand Départs - set to be the largest free sporting spectacle in British history.
To celebrate the moment, start and finish venues were lit up simultaneously, with a yellow beam illuminating the sky, with prominent locations providing a stunning backdrop. This included the Old Town Hall in Carlisle and the Moot Hall in Keswick.
Last month (December 2025), we saw the launch event for the newly refurbished PEC Phase 3 in Cleator Moor, marking an exciting step forward for the town’s ongoing regeneration. With the first tenants preparing to move in this month, the building is ready to support local organisations as they grow.
Delivered through the £22.5 million Cleator Moor Town Deal, the project has created a more accessible and efficient workspace for local businesses.
Owned by Cumberland Council and leased long term to Phoenix Enterprise Centre (PEC), the space will continue to support local enterprise as PEC sub lets offices to organisations looking to grow and thrive in the town.
With the first and second floors already fully let, there’s lots of interest for the remaining space. Any businesses hoping to secure space within the newly upgraded facility can contact nina@phoenixenterprisecentre.co.uk or call 01946 813555.
Supporting the health and wellbeing of local residents and providing better access to innovative and inclusive activities is at the heart of a new leisure operator contract on Friday 9 January 2026.
Sports & Leisure Management Ltd who trade as Everyone Active - a leading national leisure operator - was successful in the recent procurement to manage the council’s leisure facilities in the West of Cumberland.
The new 10-year contract will start in April 2026 and includes: Workington Leisure Centre; Maryport Activity Centre; Cockermouth Leisure Centre; Keswick Leisure Centre; Whitehaven Sports Centre; Copeland Pools and Fitness Centre; Cleator Moor Activity Centre (redeveloped facility) and Millom Leisure Centre (new facility under development).
The centres will continue to provide leisure, health and fitness facilities such as gyms, sports, swimming (lessons and public access)
Leisure sites in Carlisle - including The Sands Centre - do not form part of the new contract and will continue being managed on the council’s behalf by Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), trading as Better.
 A lease operator is being sought for The Old Bank in Millom with the chance to express interests going live early next week.
Carigiet Cowen has been appointed to help find operators for The Old Bank - Millom’s former NatWest Bank now with its new name “The Old Bank” is progressing well, marking another exciting milestone in the £29.3m Millom Town Deal programme.
Located at 4 Market Square, the building is currently undergoing sensitive refurbishment to bring it back into community use. When complete, The Old Bank will provide a vibrant space for local businesses, artists, and community groups, helping to support enterprise and improve access to arts and culture in Millom and Haverigg.
The centre will include a food and drink offer, offices spaces, business enterprise units, and exhibition and retail display areas, creating new opportunities for people to work, learn, and connect. The project is being delivered through the Town Deal’s Reactivating Heritage Buildings project and is designed to preserve the character of the building while delivering new uses that benefit the wider community.
Operators can express interest and view the lease opportunity directly through the appointed agent:
Carigiet Cowen - Telephone: 01228 544733 | Email: carlisle@carigietcowen.co.uk| Website: www.carigietcowen.co.uk
Cumberland Council is launching a new grants scheme to help transform King Street in Whitehaven.
Empty and dilapidated premises that cause an eyesore for the town centre have been identified as a key issue to tackle. The new Building Improvement Grants will support bringing vacant units back into use and improve the appearance of occupied properties.
The grants scheme is open to owners or businesses with properties on King Street. They can apply for a grant to help with the costs of improvements to their properties.
For occupied properties owners or businesses can apply for a grant of 50% (up to a maximum of £5,000), for improvements to their shop fronts.
For vacant properties, grants of 50% (up to a maximum of £15,000) can be applied for, to improve the shop front and undertake internal works as well. The Cumberland Council grants are funded from Sellafield’s Social Impact Investment Fund.
Residents and businesses are invited to take part in a three week public consultation on how Carlisle should grow and improve in the future.
The results of the consultation will help develop a Carlisle Masterplan. This will provide a plan to shape the future economic growth of the city and its continued regeneration and renewal. To deliver this, the masterplan will identify key investment opportunities and explore options to improve connectivity across the city centre; with aim of linking up key sites and places.
The online consultation is underway and ends on Wednesday 11 February 2026.
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Your views will play an important role in informing the next steps for Carlisle’s development.
 We are building on the success of recent regeneration projects in Devonshire Street, Greenmarket, and Market Square by starting the next phase of improvements in Carlisle city centre.
These works are part of the Carlisle Station Gateway Project and Carlisle Southern Gateway, continuing the council’s commitment to creating a greener, more accessible, and vibrant city centre for residents, businesses, and visitors.
An upcoming event aimed at food and drink businesses will highlight how food and drink can drive visitors, jobs and growth along the Cumbria Coastal Route.
Coastal businesses in the Cumberland Council area are being invited to an inspirational morning on Wednesday 11 February, designed to showcase how they can collectively attract more visitors, strengthen the local economy and tell a more compelling coastal story.
‘Inspiring Food & Drink on the Cumbria Coastal Route’ will bring together producers, cafés, pubs, restaurants and other visitor economy businesses to explore how local produce, heritage and creativity can be transformed into distinctive, authentic visitor experiences.
Attendees at Hunday Manor Hotel near Workington will hear from leading industry voices, including chef and food historian John Crouch, who will delve into the rich culinary history of the Cumbria Coast and explain how its ingredients and stories can be brought to life on today’s menus.
This event is part of the Cumbria Coastal Route project, funded by UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund through Cumberland Council and is open to any business operating in the visitor economy sector within the Cumberland coastal area.
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Entries are now open for the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2026, celebrating excellence across the county’s tourism and hospitality sector.
Entries are open across 17 categories, showcasing the full breadth of Cumbria’s visitor economy, from accommodation and attractions to food and drink, experiences and individual contribution. Cumberland Council is proud to champion accessibility and inclusion by sponsoring this year’s Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award.
The awards are free to enter and open to all tourism businesses operating in Cumbria. Businesses do not need to be members of Cumbria Tourism to apply. As well as the chance to gain recognition, entrants receive independent feedback through the judging process.
Entries close at 5pm on Friday 20 February.
Get ready for the biggest changes to rental law in decades.
Join us for an informative session designed for landlords, agents, and anyone involved in the private rental sector. These reforms will significantly impact how tenancies are managed - make sure you’re prepared.
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Local authorities gain enhanced investigatory powers, including the ability to demand documents, carry out inspections, and access third-party information.
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Tougher rent repayment orders introduced, especially for repeat offenders.
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End of Section 21 - No-fault evictions abolished.
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Fixed-term tenancies replaced by periodic tenancies.
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Rent increases limited to once per year.
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Ban on rental bidding - landlords cannot accept offers above the advertised price.
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Restrictions on rent in advance - capped at one month.
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Tenants gain the right to request pets.
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Anti-discrimination measures - illegal to refuse tenants with children or benefits (affordability checks still allowed).
This event isn’t just about enforcement. It’s about support and partnership.
Our housing teams work closely with private landlords to sustain tenancies, prevent issues, and help people into homes. Learn how these services can benefit you and your tenants.
Attendees will also gain insight into the Introduction of a landlord database and property portal which is also due to implemented in 2027.
Further changes will be discussed by the NRLA on the day.
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Cumberland Council’s Housing Enforcement Team
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Sustainable Warmth Project Officers
Reserve your place today and stay ahead of the changes!
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Cumberland Council is thrilled to announce that the Environment Agency has awarded £40 million to deliver a major Flood Risk Management Scheme (FRMS) in Millom and Haverigg, one of the largest investments of its kind in the area.
This transformative project will dramatically reduce flood risk for hundreds of homes, local businesses, and vital infrastructure providing long‑term security and confidence for the community.
The scheme is being funding through the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Capital Grant, supplemented by the Local Levy and partnership contributions from United Utilities.
This investment marks a significant step forward in protecting Millom and Haverigg from the threat of flooding and associated impacts. Once completed, the scheme will provide enhanced resilience, help unlock economic growth, and support the delivery of the council’s £25 million Millom Town Deal, ensuring long‑lasting benefits for the local area.
Cumberland Council, in partnership with bus operators Stagecoach and Reays, is delighted to reveal the third phase of its Cumberland Go bus network expansion, with brand-new services launched this month.
The new additions complete a phased rollout aimed at meeting community demand for safer, more sustainable, and reliable transport. The new services include:
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A direct and more regular service between Carlisle - Cumberland Infirmary - Cockermouth - Whitehaven - West Cumberland Hospital #600
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New Whitehaven Town Services 1/1A and better connections to Cleator Moor #22/22A
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Carlisle - Hadrian’s Wall #HW1 connecting tourist attractions and supporting better connection for villages along the route.
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A new connection to South Carlisle Health Centre, Locke Road & Carleton Clinic to Carlisle City Centre #DR1
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A new service connecting Wigton/Anthorn via Kirkhampton to Carlisle #71
This launch follows the introduction of new services in November and December 2025.
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Introduction of key town route services Maryport to Dearham #MD1 Cockermouth to Maryport #68 and Cockermouth Town Service #C123
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Added inter-town connections between Whitehaven - Ravenglass – Millom - Barrow #X7, #7 and Whitehaven - St Bees – Egremont and #32
- An enhanced service on the existing Carlisle to Anthorn #93 including the introduction of a Sunday service and Blackwell – Carlisle – Rockcliffe #64
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English Tourism Week will take place from 13 to 22 March 2026 and you can get involved using the toolkit of assets for industry now available on the VisitBritain website.
The week is an annual campaign highlighting the value and quality of English tourism, one of our most valuable sectors. This year the campaign is supported by the slogan: “Local Stories. National Growth. Celebrating English Tourism Week” to emphasise the powerful potential the sector has to inspire visitors and boost local economies across England.
As an industry, English tourism is worth around £76 billion to the UK economy in domestic visitor spending, supporting thousands of small to medium businesses and millions of jobs.
Connecting Cumbria Unveils Digital Infrastructure Strategy 2026–2030
Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council have launched the Cumbria Digital Infrastructure Strategy 2026–2030, building on the success of the previous 2020-2025 strategy, setting out a bold plan to deliver world-class digital connectivity and support Cumbria’s £12bn economy.
The strategy aims to support delivery of gigabit-capable broadband, improved mobile coverage, and 5G innovation opportunities with the aim that no one and no place in Cumbria is left behind. The strategy action plan will focus on making Cumbria’s voice heard, supporting public or commercially funded investment into Cumbria, developing Cumbria’s own interventions to go beyond UK targets and monitoring future developments in technology.
Case Study – Lyris for Women
Based in Carlisle, Lyris for Women is dedicated to empowering women to find their voices through connection, support, and shared experiences.
Recognising the challenges of isolation, mental health stigma, and limited access to local resources, Lyris leverages online connectivity to create safe spaces where women can thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically. Lyris for Women uses digital platforms to overcome these challenges.
Lyris for Women - a choir and a voice, takes a hybrid approach, combining an in-person choir based in Carlisle with online vocal coaching and technique lessons. The online technique sessions are run completely separately from the choir and provide an opportunity for women to find their voices through accessible vocal technique and song.
Connecting Cumbria caught up with Charlotte Jackson who runs Lyris for Women to talk about how online connectivity is supporting what she does.
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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 the forms below.
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!
Enterprising Cumbria, with the support of Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council, is driving forward economic growth across the region. They’ve got some fantastic events coming up that you won’t want to miss!
Mastering Financial Management for Business Growth
Friday 20 February 2026 from 10am to 12pm
A 2-hour workshop designed exclusively for entrepreneurs aiming to strengthen their financial management skills in a bid to grow their business and/or attract investment. This workshop will provide you with essential knowledge and practical insights to manage your finances effectively, drive business growth, and access funding.
Finding & Funding Local Skills - Carlisle College
Wednesday 4 February from 9.30am to 11am
Learn more about the Apprenticeship Levy from Vicky Stafford, Business Engagement Manager at Carlisle College. Followed by Alex Ridley, Learning and performance manager at the Cumberland Building society, about how to manage and track the Apprenticeship Levy. Lastly you will hear from Sarah Glass, Executive Director Centre for Leadership Performance, about the dream placement programme. This programme can offer an opportunity to engage a young person you may wish to then employ utilising your levy.
Business Bites On Tour
Higham Hall, Cockermouth
Wednesday 18 February from 10.30am to 12pm
Kindly sponsored by Higham Hall Network with fellow business people in Cumbria to share ideas, experience and promote your business informally over tea/coffee and homemade biscuits at Higham Hall. Higham Hall College is an educational trust, a charity, and a limited company. It was established in 2008 when the trust purchased the building from Cumbria County Council and took over running the site as a centre for informal adult education. There will be time for a brief tour of the 200-year old, grade II listed hall with current principal Lizzie Fisher, who will also share some insights into the history of the place and the challenges of running a business that straddles both hospitality and culture today.
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Jennings Brewery Tour
Jennings Brewery, Cockermouth
Thursday 26 February from 10.30am to 12pm
Step behind the scenes with a guided tour and uncover the heritage, stories, and secrets that make Jennings so special. From their proud brewing history to the character of their beers, you’ll enjoy a memorable journey through time – finishing with a tasting experience in the Taproom.
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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.
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Employer Wage Subsidy - Supporting you to develop your workforce and grow your business
If your organisation has a vacancy (part time or full time) or you’re aware of other employers who are recruiting then take a look at the Employer Wage Subsidy now.
Eligible businesses must:
- Be based in West Cumbria
- Be a registered business and have been operating for at least a year
- Employ under 50 employees
- Have a new vacancy or vacated position that is part of your business operations
- Be able to offer a minimum of 16 hours work per week
The offer:
- Up to £3000 contribution towards wage and training costs
- Opportunity to develop your candidate with skills relevant to your business
- Workplace mentoring support for the candidate recruited to your business
To get involved contact Chris Cunliffe on 07385 362798 or email chris.cunliffe@cumberland.gov.uk
Employer applications to the wage subsidy scheme will remain open until 31 March 2026.
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