Cumbria Growth Hub Podcast

Discussing new incentives to invest in occupational health with Tracey Hudson of Intelligent OH

A healthy workforce is good for business! Mentally and physically healthy employees mean reduced staff turnover and less absences, which can increase productivity with less money being paid out on sick leave. To help businesses improve the wellbeing of their staff, the government is piloting a new scheme in Cumbria and Lancashire, which will give businesses an 80% discount on the cost of running workplace health assessments. We're joined on the podcast this month by Tracey Hudson of Inte...

Launching our Supply Chain Programme with Martyn Staveley

This month on the Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast 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 m...

Marketing simplified: how to strategise for success with Mags Bradshaw

This month on the Growth Hub podcast we're joined by Mags Bradshaw of Red Button Marketing Training. Our conversation focusses on Mags’ innovative, straightforward approach to marketing strategy. We discuss: What is marketing Misconceptions surrounding marketing The role of the marketing process Communication about marketing accross the business Helping marketers navigate their roles and avoid burnout The Marketing Performance Framework Red Button Marketing Training's upcoming ...

Colin Bell on 'High Performance FLOW'

Colin Bell is the Founder and Director of Leap the Crowd and Co-founder and Director of WeDo Content. We've been working with Colin recently to deliver High Performance FLOW training to business leaders in Cumbria. High Performance FLOW is a programme designed to help ambitious and hardworking business owners to break through to their next level of growth and performance.  Tune in to find out more about how the concept of High Performance FLOW can help you take your business or career ...

Introducing the Westmorland & Furness Green Enterprise Hub

We're joined by Molly Hogg of Cumbria Action for Sustainability and Lesley Robinson of Cumbria Business Growth Hub to discuss the launch of the W&F Green Enterprise Hub, a dynamic initiative dedicated to supporting local organisations on their journey towards decarbonisation and sustainability.

'The miracle of mentoring' with Gail Gravett

This month we're joined by business mentor Gail Gravett who is leading on our pilot Mentoring Programme. Tune in to hear how important mentoring is for success in business with lots of examples and insights.  Click here to get involved in our pilot mentoring programme starting January 2024: 

Making Cumbrian gelato with Mathew Stockwell of Three Hills Gelato

We're joined on the Cumbria Growth Hub podcast by Growth Hub client, Matthew Stockwell, Director of Three Hills Gelato. During the episode we discuss: Matthew's journey to starting Three Hills Gelato How he learned the necessary skills The partnership with Torpenhow Farmhouse Dairy Sourcing high-quality, natural ingredients Coming up with new flavour ideas Challenges and successes encountered so far And the future of Three Hills Gelato Check out their website here: https://thre...

Discussing export support for Cumbrian businesses with Sarah Peak of DBT

We talk to Sarah Peak from the Department for Business & Trade about: The UK's position as an exporter How Cumbria compares to the rest of the UK in terms of export How DBT can help businesses overcome export challenges DBT's Export Academy Export Champions Trade missions Find out more information about support on offer from DBT here: https://www.great.gov.uk/

The benefits of benchmarking with Mark Modena of Winning Moves

Benchmark Index is a diagnostic tool which provides real time business performance data to create a baseline of the business’s current levels of attainment, an assessment of strengths and weaknesses, and the means to track progress over time. Cumbrian businesses can now access the Benchmark Index free of charge through Cumbria Business Growth Hub. To learn more email [email protected] or call 0844 257 8450.

Discussing Fibrus supply chain opportunities with Neil Burrows

Belfast-based supplier Fibrus have embarked on a project to connect 60,000 premises in the Cumbria to the fastest broadband on the market under the government’s Project Gigabit programme. As well as creating jobs for local residents, the project will also present opportunities for local businesses to become suppliers of Fibrus and its primary contracter, Viberoptix.  This episode features a conversation with Procurement Director at Fibrus, Neil Burrows, on how businesses can get involved...

What is distributed leadership? With Rebecca Smith of Box Box Solutions

On this month's episode we're joined by Rebecca Smith of Box Box Solutions. As a business and management consultant Rebecca frequently looks for new and innovative solutions to problems faced by her clients. One of those is distributed leadership, a model which moves decision making from one individual to a collective group. In our conversation, we discuss distributed leadership, its advantages and how to start incorporating it into an organisation. We also discuss Rebecca's two free-to-at...

Armed Forces Day 2023 special with Kellie Cox

Our guest on the podcast today is one of our business start-up clients, Kellie Cox. After serving as a bomb disposal expert in the British Army, Kellie has now left the army to start her own meditation and wellness consultancy due to launch in September. We discuss Kellie's career in the military, how she got into meditation and how it has helped her thrive in high-pressure situations, and Armed Forces Day. Useful links for businesses discussed in the episode: Armed Forces Day - https://www...

The importance of biological wellbeing with Adapt & Evolve Consultancy

On this month's episode, Joe is joined by Dr Zoe Billings and Mark Pannone of Adapt & Evolve Consultancy. The conversation covers Mark and Zoe's careers in the Police and how this led them to set up Adapt & Evolve, the importance of biological wellbeing and recognising the physical signs of stress, and steps we can take towards reducing stress.  To hear more from Mark and Zoe on biological wellbeing, make sure you attend our webinar on 28th July. More information - https://cumbriagrowthhu...

Discussing cyber security with Andy Mapp from David Allen IT

In this episode we discuss how businesses can improve their cyber security with cyber security expert, Andy Mapp. 

Made Smarter with Sarah Woodhams and Ruth Hailwood

Joe sits down with Sarah and Ruth from Made Smarter to discuss their work supporting Cumbrian businesses to adopt digital technology. In the podcast we cover: What is Made Smarter? Grant funding and the approval process Workforce development Examples of how businesses have used the funding to adopt technology How can businesses get inolved Find out more about Made Smarter here.

Skills Bootcamps with Amanda Wharton and Naomi Morgan from Cumbria LEP

Joe interviews Amanda and Naomi from Cumbria Local Enterprise Parternership about their upcoming Skills Bootcamps. The bootcamps offer training in a variety of areas including 3D printing, project management, and leadership and management for the visitor economy. Tune in to find out more! 

Cumbria Business Growth Hub Podcast - Ray McCreadie of LEAN TeamGB

The latest episode of the Growth Hub podcast features business adviser Ray McReadie who leads on our Workforce Development Service. Find out more here.

Cumbria Business Growth Hub Podcast - Colin Sneath from A Day's Walk Farm Shop

Join us as we sit down with previous Growth Hub client, Colin Sneath, owner of A Day's Walk Farm Shop. 

Cumbria Business Growth Hub Podcast - An introduction to CITB

To contact Monica from CITB to find out how she can help, email: [email protected]

Cumbria Business Growth Hub Podcast - Access to finance with Maria Ramsdale

Join us as we talk to Maria Ramsdale about the new access to finance service available through Cumbria Business Growth Hub

Cumbria Business Growth Hub Podcast - Ollie Hodgson

Join us as we talk to Ollie Hodgson owner and founder of Platinum Live

Cumbria Business Growth Hub Podcast - British Business Bank

We speak to Sue Barnard from the British Business Bank and how they look at investments and what they can do to help your business. 

Cumbria Business Growth Hub - Electricity North West

Cumbria Business Growth Hub Podcast - BBFA

Business Growth Manager, Eve Halliday talks to Dani Armstrong, Chair of the BBFA to find out about their current activity and future plans. 

Growth Hub interview with Maven Capital Partners

Sellafield Programme and Project Partners Model Approach (Policy Shorts)

McMenon's Business Director, Scott Castlehow, joins our Business Engagement and Policy Manager, Richard Miller, to discuss the company's history and growth, as well as providing insight into their recent success with Sellafield.

What the Budget means for Cumbrian businesses

Budget analysis from Suzanne Caldwell of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and Amy Johnston and Sue Jeffrey of accountant David Allen.

Coronavirus: The essential business podcast

What every business needs to know about Coronavirus. In this podcast, lawyers Frances Cameron and Luke Donockley, of Muckle LLP, set out the obligations and risks facing employers and outline steps to take to minimise damage to your business. Keep up to date with the latest information with the Chamber’s Coronavirus Toolkit, which is updated regularly. Click here. Cumbria Chamber of Commerce members also get access to a free HR helpline. For more information about Chamber membership, ...

Budget podcast with RSM

This podcast replaces our Budget Breakfast with RSM, which we cancelled because of the Coronavirus outbreak. RSM tax partners Stephen Hunter and Anthony Cox talk through Budget tax changes and provide valuable pointers as to how your business should respond. Click here to download RSM's Budget 2020 checklist.

What the Budget means for your business

Chamber Chief Executive Rob Johnston and Armstrong Watson tax  partner Graham Poles discuss the Budget. Understand what it means for your business.

Podcast: What the Growth Hub can do for you

Cumbria Business Growth Hub has been a phenomenal success story. Since its launch in 2012, the Growth Hub has worked directly with 7,500 businesses and 2,700 individuals looking to start a business, boosting the county's economy by an estimated £252m in GVA. In this podcast, the Chamber’s Deputy Chief Executive Suzanne Caldwell explains what the Growth Hub is, what it does, and how businesses can benefit.

Tapping into University expertise

Find out how Lancaster University Management School can help your business develop and prosper. Pete Cornwall from LUMS discusses programmes specifically for SMEs in Cumbria covering leadership, productivity, digital technologies for manufacturers, innovation and – new for 2020 – family businesses. Many of these programmes are available to qualifying businesses free or at reduced cost through Cumbria Business Growth Hub. For information on Cumbria Forum click here, for the Made Smarte...

What does the future hold for South Lakeland?

We look at the prospects for 2020 and beyond with Councillor Robin Ashcroft, the economy, culture and leisure portfolio holder at South Lakeland District Council. The conversation covers recruitment difficulties, boosting productivity, greening the economy, revitalising town centres, proposals for a Morecambe Bay barrage and a possible Morecambe Bay Growth Deal.

How to supply ENGIE

What SMEs need to know about working with ENGIE, which has won significant contracts to build extra care housing in Cumbria. Operations Manager Paul Young discusses the opportunities, ENGIE’s procurement criteria and what it looks for in suppliers and sub-contractors. To find out about how Cumbria Business Growth Hub can help SMEs get work with ENGIE and other large businesses, click here.

Election podcast: Sue Hayman

The Labour candidate for Workington defends her party’s plans for spending and taxation and set out plans for a £400bn National Transformation Fund. We challenge her on Labour’s nationalisation proposals and ask if its Inclusive Ownership Funds will deter business investment.

Election podcast: John Stevenson

The Conservative candidate for Carlisle on trade and immigration after Brexit, tackling skills shortages and escalating costs for business. We ask him if the North is getting a raw deal on infrastructure and why the Conservative manifesto makes no mention of nuclear new build.

Election podcast: Tim Farron

The Lib Dem candidate for Westmorland & Lonsdale predicts the outcome of the General Election and takes questions on Brexit, business rates, lifelong learning and other policies. We ask him why nuclear power doesn’t get a mention in the Lib Dem manifesto and why the party wants to axe one of the submarines being built by BAE Systems in Barrow.

How to respond to extreme weather

Employment lawyer Nigel Crebbin, of Burnetts Solicitors, looks at what businesses can do when winter strikes. Are you required to pay staff who can’t get to work? Can you insist that they work from home? What if your premises have to close because of flooding? This podcast covers all these issues and more.

Preparing for a no-deal Brexit

Lawyer Luke Donockley explores why businesses should prepare for no deal and outlines a seven-step process to put in place. He also touches on the impact Brexit might have on commercial contracts.

How Brexit affects data and IP

Understand what Brexit will mean for data handling and intellectual property rights including copyright, designs, trade marks and patents. Lawyer Alex Craig, of Muckle, outlines the changes and the likely impacts for UK businesses.

International trade after Brexit

Mark Rowbotham, a consultant in international trade, explores what a no-deal Brexit would mean for exporters and importers. Understand what you need to put in place to ensure that trade continues to flow smoothly.

How Brexit affects your workforce

The implications of Brexit for EU nationals already in the UK, those looking to work here and for UK nationals who need to work in the EU. Lee Petts, of Seekly Recruitment, sets out what employers need to be doing to ensure they can retain and recruit the people they need.

What Brexit means for your business

Simon Hart and Richard Arnott from the accountancy specialist RSM explore last-minute Brexit preparations and the likely impact of Brexit on Cumbria and the wider economy. Simon is RSM's national lead Brexit partner, who spends his days analysing Brexit risks and advising clients how to manage them, while Richard is a consulting director based in Cumbria.

How Lakeland Mues got into Booths

Luke Christian of Lakeland Mues tells the story behind the business and how persistence earned them a listing at Booths supermarkets – with help from our Supply Chain Opportunity Club. Lakeland Mues’ luxury muesli blends are now available in Booths’ stores in Windermere, Penwortham, Ulverston, Penrith, Ilkley, Longton, Keswick, Lytham, Garstang, Ripon and St Annes. To find out how the Growth Hub can help your business target new markets, click here or call 0844 257 84 50.

Where does the economy go from here?

One of the UK’s top economists outlines the prospects for the UK economy as the October 31 Brexit deadline approaches. Suren Thiru is Head of Economics and Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce. We recorded this podcast when he visited Cumbria to speak at a joint event with the Bank of England. He considers the implications of a no-deal Brexit and the outlook for growth, interest rates, recruitment and investment. Click here for the Growth Hub’s Brexit Insight guide to Brexi...

Protect your business against cyber crime

One-in-five businesses are affected by cyber crime in any one year. Don’t be the next victim. In this podcast Jon Hill, a detective with Cumbria Constabulary’s new Cyber and Digital Crime Unit, and Peter McCall, the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner, look at how businesses can protect themselves. Click here for a training video, links, tools and advice on the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce website.

How businesses can make a difference

Hear how Cumbria Community Foundation helps businesses in the county to make a difference to disadvantaged people. The charity, set up in 1999, has made grants totalling £44m so far. In this podcast, Chief Executive Andy Beeforth sets out how the Foundation channels donations from businesses and enables them achieve their corporate social responsibility objectives. For more information, click here.

How to make your business more productive

In this podcast, organisational development specialist Hazel Lowndes and Suzanne Caldwell, of Cumbria Business Growth Hub, explore ways to boost productivity. UK productivity – measured in output per worker – lags behind that of Germany, France, the US and most other developed economies. This podcast asks why that is the case and looks at what we can do about it. Contrary to popular myth, boosting productivity isn’t just about investing in high-tech equipment. Working on people and proce...

Why it pays to recruit disabled staff

Kirsty Mahoney of the charity Imagine Independence explains how she works with businesses to find employment for people with disabilities. Low unemployment and a shrinking working-age population are making it harder and harder for Cumbrian companies to recruit. In this podcast, Kirsty urges employers to embrace the talents and potential of disabled staff who, very often, can be accommodated in the workplace with minimal disruption simply by adopting a flexible approach. There is more i...

Sexual harassment at work

How businesses can deal with sexual harassment in the workplace and avoid harassment claims from employees. In this podcast Michael Bauer, of Cumbria Employment Solicitors, explains the legal definition of sexual harassment and the responsibilities that employers have, then sets out measures businesses can take to eliminate harassment and reduce the likelihood of claims from employees.