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Shaping What’s Next for Cumbria
As we look ahead to new opportunities, it’s clear that progress happens when communities, organisations, and individuals work together with purpose. We continue to see inspiring examples of what can be achieved when people and businesses share a commitment to growth.
In this edition, you’ll find updates, success stories, and practical insights designed to support development—whether you’re running a business, supporting a team, or exploring new opportunities yourself.
Thank you for being part of a network that’s shaping a stronger, more skilled future. We’re excited to share what’s new and what’s next.
Share your journey with us at clare.dixon@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk
Warm regards
Paul Foster
Head of Programmes
Kindly explore and bookmark the Enterprising Cumbria website to stay informed about the latest news, business support, events, training opportunities, and more across Cumbria.
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Zero Carbon Cumbria’s Annual Summit Held in Penrith
The Net Zero team attended this year’s Zero Carbon Cumbria Summit, which brought together 150 passionate and dedicated individuals from across Cumbria to discuss a low‑carbon future for the region. The event took an innovative approach, with participants stepping up to run sessions and shape the agenda on the day. Discussions covered issues around decarbonising food and waste sectors, protecting biodiversity and landscapes, how to put renewable energy into community ownership, and many other exciting topics, providing a powerful reminder of the talented and enthusiastic individuals shaping a net zero future for the region.
Congratulations to Patton Hall Farm in Kendal.
They were the lucky winners of our locally sourced hamper in the recent raffle we hosted. We hope you enjoy all the delicious Cumbrian goodies.
A special thank you to Katie Pepper of Fell & Tarn Hampers, whose beautifully curated hampers showcase fantastic local gifts and produce from across Cumbria.
Accelerating Growth at The Hive Bistro
Jackie Maguire, owner of The Hive Bistro, recently completed a one‑to‑one support session through the Cumbria Accelerator programme. As part of this fully‑funded business support, Jackie worked closely with our in-house Business Advisor Donna Dacre to explore the current challenges the bistro was facing, identify opportunities for growth, and review the areas where targeted support could help strengthen the business. Together, they discussed visibility, customer engagement, staffing structures and operational pressures, giving Jackie the space to reflect on her business from a fresh, strategic perspective.
As a result of the session, Jackie received a personalised Growth Canvas report, which outlines her business’s strengths, key ambitions, and practical next steps to build resilience and support long‑term sustainability. The report provides a clear foundation for planning future actions, including strengthening local marketing, refining the menu strategy for improved profitability, and exploring options to increase management and staffing capacity. We’re delighted to be supporting Jackie on her journey and look forward to continuing to work with her as her business develops further and grows.
To access your very own Growth Canvas report please contact Donna Dacre at Donna.dacre@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk
Wave 7 officially launches at the start of April, and we’re excited to bring a fresh new range of Skills Bootcamps to learners and employers across Cumbria.
If you’re an employer looking for bespoke, flexible training solutions to upskill your workforce, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at kelly.mcalone@enterprising.cumbria.org.uk.
Don’t forget — Skills Bootcamps are funded by the government:
SMEs benefit from a 90% reduction in training costs
Large organisations receive a 10% reduction
Training is completely FREE for all learners, including those who are self‑employed
Future‑ready heating: How The Gas Rooms is transforming local expertise
Plumbing and heating engineers are entering one of the fastest‑changing periods the industry has seen in decades, driven by regulatory updates, low‑carbon technologies and rising customer expectations. The Gas Rooms Training and Assessment Centre has responded to this shift by delivering specialist Skills Bootcamps in Air Source Heat Pump Upskill and Heating Engineer Upskill, with demand increasing year on year. Their recent Heating Engineer Upskill course in Burton‑in‑Kendal supported engineers in refreshing and advancing their skills in natural gas, LPG and oil to meet the evolving needs of Cumbrian households.
Among the recent participants was Marcus Reardon of Evolve Heating Engineers Ltd, who previously completed the Air Source Heat Pump Upskill in 2023 and has since installed twelve systems, becoming a registered Vaillant partner. With his latest qualification, Marcus aims to install and maintain hybrid systems—combining traditional fuels with heat pump technology—to support retrofitting older rural Cumbrian homes. He credits the funded training for enabling engineers to stay compliant, competitive and future‑focused. The Gas Rooms emphasises that government‑funded upskilling offers engineers immediate and long‑term benefits, helping secure rewarding opportunities and strengthening the future of Cumbria’s heating industry.
New career, new confidence: Brad joins the haulage industry
After a 27‑year career as a Fabricator Welder, Brad Hodgson was forced to rethink his future when a serious knee injury and full reconstruction meant he could no longer continue in his physically demanding role. Following his role ending on medical grounds, Brad looked for a new direction and chose to pursue a long‑held interest in the haulage industry. He enrolled on SP Training’s LGV C+E Driver Skills Bootcamp, seeing it as an opportunity to rebuild his career in a sector he had always admired.
Brad describes his training experience as excellent, crediting his instructor Paul for the guidance, patience and support that helped him gain both confidence and competence. Despite a few challenges, his determination impressed his trainer, and Brad successfully achieved his LGV qualification. With his new licence, Brad now has the chance to start a fresh career, regain his independence and return to work after a difficult period. As he put it, “Completing this course will honestly change my life.”
Winners of the ‘People Power – Skills Leading Change’ Award!
A huge congratulations to 3D360 Skills Training, who proudly won the ‘People Power – Skills Leading Change’ award at the 2026 Nuclear Skills Awards.
This is an incredible achievement for an SME standing alongside major Tier 1 and 2 organisations. 3D360 were recognised for their commitment to embedding social value into their work — supporting over 2,500 learners, priority groups, and investing more than £400,000 of advanced manufacturing equipment into local schools, businesses and communities.
We’re delighted to celebrate this well‑deserved success and the positive impact 3D360 continue to make across the region.
Well done to the whole 3D360 team!
Ready to enhance your business with fresh opportunities and expert support?
Whether you’re strengthening your established business or aiming for your next stage of growth, our programme connects you with experienced advisors who understand what it takes to succeed. They’ll work with you to overcome operational challenges, reduce costs, reach new customers, innovate, and scale with confidence – helping established businesses unlock new opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.
Your ambition deserves the right support. Let’s achieve it together.
For more information please visit Business support in Cumbria | Cumbria Accelerator or contact lucy.johnson@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk to start your journey today.
One of our recent case studies from the Cumbria Accelerator: Business Support Programme 2025/26
Farmers, schools and manufacturers could soon cut their energy bills by installing small onshore wind turbines without needing planning permission. New government proposals on Wednesday 18 March would allow businesses and public sector organisations to install one turbine up to 30 metres – no bigger than an oak tree – without submitting planning proposals, making it faster and cheaper to generate clean power on site.
Read more about the proposal at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/lower-bills-for-farmers-schools-and-factoriesThe Government has announced plans to encourage small employers to take on young apprentices. From autumn 2026, small and medium-sized businesses will receive an Apprenticeship Incentive of £2,000 for each new apprentice aged 16 to 24 they take on. The incentive is part of wider reforms to create 50,000 more apprenticeships.
Read more about the plans at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-employment-drive-to-help-unlock-200000-new-jobs-and-apprenticeships-for-next-generation
