For more information about the below FSB events, and if you would like to be a guest speaker, guest host at any future local networking events, or if you would like a 1-to-1 chat about your business and FSB benefits, please contact [email protected]
Fighting food wate in hospitality
Wasted food is costing the Hospitality and Food Service Industry £3.2 billion a year, and 75% of the food wasted could have been eaten. Cumbria Tourism are looking for businesses to sign up to ‘Guardians of Grub’ Training. This includes 4 weeks of managing and monitoring your kitchen waste, alongside online training modules. If you’re interested, please email Gemma Proctor.
Community consultation on bus services
The Department for Transport has awarded £1.7 million to improve bus services in Westmorland and Furness. With 35 potential routes identified by the Sustainable Transport Team, community participation is encouraged for shaping the spending plans and the future of the local bus transport. Consultation period ends on Tuesday 30 April. Online survey here.
Drop in sessions will be held from 10am to 2pm on Thursday 4 April - Penrith Library and Wednesday 10 April - Westmorland Shopping Centre, Kendal, then Thursday 11 April - Grange Library. Followed on Thursday 25 April – The Coronation Hall, Ulverston and Friday 26 April – The Forum, Barrow-in-Furness.
Train services update
Train services affected between Lancaster to Barrow will last until at least the end of Monday 8 April. Repair work continues along the line following a derailed train incident on Friday 22 March. To assist customers there is rail replacement transport, travelling by bus will extend the journey time by 90-minutes. Check before you travel on the Journey Planner.
Cyber Readiness masterclass
From DBT / UK Export Academy on Tuesday 9 April join this exclusive session with Business Resilience Centre. In this masterclass you will learn simple steps to follow to keep your business cyber secure when selling overseas, understand common cyber risks, and know resources you could use to protect against cyber threats. Register now.
Pricing Strategy webinar
From DBT / UK Export Academy on Wednesday 10 April join Mark Burkett who will help you to understand the pricing of goods for exporting, the different routes to market, how to identify a suitable distributor and how to get in front of your overseas customers. Register now.
Finance for International Growth masterclass
From DBT / UK Export Academy on Thursday 11 April join Rob Lewtas who helps businesses to secure new global markets. In this masterclass, you will be shown how to access funding through loans and investments or available grants. You will learn the basics of how you can prepare your business for international growth. Register now.
Charity Trustee - Induction & Refresher
Eligible to anyone new to governance and trusteeship, or existing trustees and senior staff who need a refresher course. This online course will be delivered by NCVO and hosted by Cumbria CVS. The course date is Friday 12 April 9:30am to 3:30pm however please note the closing date for bookings is Monday 1st April. Register your interest.
Cumbria Charity Quiz
Test your Cumbria knowledge at the Cumbria Tourism 50th Anniversary Charity Quiz, taking place on Wednesday 17 April 6:30pm. Join as a team of 4 to 6 people or as an individual and you will be matched with fellow quizzers. The quiz night will be at Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley. Secure your place by emailing [email protected]
Rural grants available
Rural England Prosperity Fund grant scheme has reopened, the deadline for applications on Monday 22 April at 9am. Rural businesses in Westmorland and Furness can access support for overcoming challenges and respond to growth opportunities. Get in touch.
Great Big Green Week – Skill Swap Event
Organised by Cumbria Action for Sustainability, this event will hear from some of last year’s Great Big Green Week participants – and will cover topics such as planning, promotion, and how to make your activity as low-carbon as possible. This will be held online on Monday 22 April 7:00pm to 8:30pm. For more information and your ticket, Book here.
Virtual Networking
New for 2024, FSB Members will guest host. Join this friendly session on Wednesday 25 April 9:30am to 10:30am and feel part of the local business community within Lancashire & Cumbria. Guest Host is FSB Member Natalie Barker, Owner at M&M Business Support. Natalie will be joined by a guest speaker. Book now.
Prepare and bring along your 30 second elevator pitch; see our useful guide on Elevator Pitch to perfect yours.
The Leadership Summit
The Centre for Leadership Performance is working alongside Realise HR, bringing the business community together to focus on all things leadership. Held on on Tuesday 30 April 9:00am to 3:15pm at Energus in Workington. It’s a chance to be inspired by other leaders and gain valuable insights from specialists in the world of business leadership. This as an opportunity to hear from experts and learn new skills to drive engagement and productivity within their teams. Get your ticket
Innovation workshop
Local SMEs and social enterprises in Westmorland and Furness are invited to a workshop held at Basecamp North Lakes, Troutbeck, Penrith on Tuesday 30 April 2:00pm to 5:30pm. This workshop focuses on innovation and sustainability. Explore the meaning of innovation for sustainability and its relevance in today's economy. Gain insights from recent research on Cumbrian businesses, discussing challenges and opportunities. Discover creative approaches to sustainability and how they can benefit your business's growth. Book here.
Improve your contract converstations
Conversations about contracts can often feel adversarial and challenging. Join CIPS, the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply on Tuesday 30 April 5:30pm to 7:00pm at The Dunes Hotel, South Lakes. In this session you will explore the areas of contract conversation that deliver the biggest impact on successful outcomes, distinguishing between theoretical legal risk and every-day commercial risk. See all event details and book here.
Get ahead now for May -
Funded Sustainability research project
The Westmorland & Furness Green Enterprise Hub is partnering with Lancaster University to offer 5 businesses or social enterprises the opportunity to collaborate with students on short-term projects focused on sustainability. The projects will be designed around a key question relating to the individual business’ requirements. The deadline for applications is Monday 13 May at 5:00pm. Read more here.
What You May Have Missed
News:
- FSB Regional Award Winners North West
- English Policy Unit vacancy
- FSB publishes the Small Business Index for Q4 2023
Resources:
