Cumbria Chamber of Commerce Podcast

In this episode, Jade Clifford from iCan Wellbeing Group joins us to discuss ADHD in the workplace and how employers can create environments where neurodivergent employees can thrive. We explore Jade's personal experiences of living and working with ADHD, the challenges and strengths that can come with it, and practical ways organisations can provide meaningful support.

In this episode, Laura Wellington from Inspira joins us to discuss Connect to Work — a new programme helping people across Cumbria overcome barriers to employment and connect with meaningful, sustainable careers. We explore how the initiative supports both individuals and employers, why inclusive recruitment matters, and hear a powerful real-life success story showing the difference the right supp...

Big changes are on the way with new recycling legislation, and getting it wrong could cost your business more than you think. We're joined by Cumbria Waste Group to break down what "Simpler Recycling" really means, what's changing, and why now is the time to act. But it's not just about staying compliant, done right, these changes could actually reduce costs and improve how your business operates....

Big changes are on the way with new recycling legislation, and getting it wrong could cost your business more than you think. We're joined by Cumbria Waste Group to break down what "Simpler Recycling" really means, what's changing, and why now is the time to act. But it's not just about staying compliant, done right, these changes could actually reduce costs and improve how your business operates....

What does leadership look like in 2026 when pressure is high, burnout is common and people are craving better workplace culture? In this episode, Laura Cadman and Ben Hickman join the Growth Hub podcast to talk about this year's Leadership Conference, exploring vulnerability, failure, listening, burnout and the behaviours that shape stronger leaders and healthier organisations.

High street banks are disappearing and many businesses are being pushed towards fast, expensive online lending without real advice. In this episode, we speak with James Todhunter from Enterprise Answers about the growing finance advice gap in Cumbria, the risks of "quick fix" funding, and where business owners can turn for trusted, face-to-face support before making big financial decisions.

Behind the highlights and beyond the hype. Join a group of young business owners as they talk candidly about the freedom, pressure and purpose that come with building a business early in life. An honest conversation about belief, balance and what success actually feels like.

This month we are joined by one of our advisers Ian Wilson, Managing Director of IW Process Solutions. To celebrate International Manufacturing Day we talk about Ian's Manufacuring experiences and his vision for the future. Ian Wilson is a Lean expert with over twenty years' experience of implementing continuous improvement methodologies across a wide variety of industrial sectors with a proven tr...

This month we are joined by Matt Ryder the Principal Lecturer at the University of Cumbria. The topic of our conversation is the opening of the new university campus in Barrow. We discuss the different courses that the university will be running and how the campus community will affect Barrow's local economy.   Click here to learn more about the Barrow Campus -  https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/student-l...

This month we are joined by the Directors of Thomas Jardine and Co. Keith and Jaqui Jackson, who are here to talk about their new leadership programme LEAD iT. A 10-month leadership programme built specifically for founders and family business leaders of independent UK businesses.   To learn more about the programme click here    

Businesses in Carlisle will have received information in recent weeks about the Great Border City and plans to establish a Carlisle Business Improvement District (BID). We've invited Adrian Lochhead and Kevin Beaty, who are part of the team working on the Great Border City, onto the podcast to discuss what prompted the BID proposal; how establishing a BID will impact Carlisle; lessons from other c...

This month on the podcast, we're joined by Martyn Staveley, Director of Three Peaks Consulting, to discuss all things international trade and to breakdown our new Export Consultancy service. We discuss: Challenges and opportunities for Cumbrian exporters The impact of global events on international trade Businesses Martyn has helped succeed in exporting Our new Export Consultancy Service including...

This month on the Cumbria Business Growth Hub Podcast, we're joined by leadership coach Alec Pearson to explore our new Leadership Mentoring Programme. We discuss... Current trends within leadership and leadership challenges facing the UK economy The 'accidental manager'  Specific areas leaders are struggling with How the programme will work and expected outcomes for delegates Delivered by Alec Pe...

This month on the Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast, we welcome Tracy Eyres, Senior Innovation and Growth Specialist at Innovate UK. In this episode, we explore how Innovate UK helps businesses drive innovation, the financial support available for Cumbrian businesses, real-world case studies of successful innovation projects, and opportunities for local businesses to expand into international ma...

This month on the Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast we're joined by Gemma Procter Sustainable Tourism Officer at Cumbria Tourism. We discuss food waste, its impact on the environment and steps businesses can take to reduce it. Learn about the national scheme 'Guardians of Grub' and the tools available to help your business reduce its food waste. Go to the Guardians of Grub website by clicking th...

This month on the Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast we're joined by Claire Louise Chapman of the Shared Value Business. The topic of our conversation is Social Value. We discuss: definitions and differences between Social Value and Corporate Social Responsibility; the benefits of embedding social value into a business strategy; top tips for small businesses getting started; and how Social Value...

In this episode, we sit down with Claire Aindow, the Pro Vice Chancellor for Growth and Development at the University of Cumbria. Claire discusses her new role and the university's new campus in Barrow-in-Furness opening in 2025. She also shares how the university is working closely with local businesses to create educational opportunities that meet the needs of the community and economy.   Click...

As part of our activity for  Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024, we're sharing an interview with Denise Gosney - founder of Razzamataz - which was previously shown at our 'How To Slay the Dragons' event held in partnership with North and West Lancs Chamber of Commerce in November 2024.  Hear Denise's inspiring story all about how she started her Razzamataz and what happened after she appeared on Dr...

We're joined on the podcast by Martha Wood, founder of Chamber member Martha Wood Marketing. We discuss the role of social media in the marketing industry and how a marketing strategy can help you take advantage of the platforms available.  To learn more about Martha's freelance marketing services visit her website:   https://marthawoodmarketing.com/

We catch up with Head of Debt John Gray and Investment Manager Jonathan Nelson following River Capital's recent expansion into Cumbria after securing the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II Smaller Loans Fund. We discuss investment solutions currently available to Cumbrian businesses; getting investment ready; common challenges and how River Capital can support; sectors in Cumbria with growth p...

We're joined on the podcast by Clare Atkinson, Founder and Director of R&D at NuGreen, a sustainability consultancy researching the use of plastic in the health care sector and how resources from medical waste can be recovered and recycled. We discuss NuGreen's work to date, the challenges and opportunities when it comes to using plastic in the health care sector, and a new project funded through...

This month on the podcast we discuss the Brighter Futures programme with Deborah Naylor (Inspira) and Claire Sands (Cumbria Youth alliance). Brighter Futures aims to support young people in Cumbria who are leaving care, through a range of activity inlcluding  mentoring, work experience placements and life skills development. Click below to learn more about the different ways employers can get invo...

We're joined by Sue Reeve of Chamber member and bookkeeping and training services provider,  Windmill BTS. Our conversation centres around self assessment and expenses with lots of useful tips and advice for sole traders when doing self assessment and other ways to save money! Chamber members can access a 10% discount on Windmill BTS's Business Finance Academy. Learn more here: https://windmillboo...

We discuss Cumbria Business Growth Hub's Mentoring Programme with business mentors, Jacqui Jackson and Keith Jackson. Join us to hear about the mentoring process and the powerful effect it can have, supporting business owners to achieve their goals and deliver the business they want. We also discuss some of the success stories of mentoring clients who took part in the pilot mentoring programme las...

A conversation with Tim Bloomer, co-founder of Fell Brewery, about the business's project aimed at bringing down carbon emissions at their brewery in Flookburgh. We cover: How the business started from two friends brewing beer into a well-known brand with over 40 employees Tim's thoughts on carbon offsetting  Carbon accounting - identifying which parts of the business produce the most carbon Steps...