It has been announced that Sunnyside Guest House based in Keswick is a finalist for the Leisure and Tourism category of the North West Family Business Awards 2024.
Sunnyside Guest House beat strong competition with a record number of family businesses entering the awards from across the North West region.
This year’s event will be held at Bolton Football Stadium, co-hosted by Dave Clarkson and Sue Howorth of The Family Business Community, alongside renowned food and drink writer, and presenter Nigel Barden, and will take place on Friday 10th May 2024.
Paul Roper said “We are thrilled to have been selected as a finalist in the North West Family Business Awards and to be representing Cumbria. Nicky and I have strived to develop Sunnyside and we are extremely proud for this to be recognised.”
Co-Founder and Director, Sue Howorth said: “With another year of increased entries we have been working with our 23 judges which are representing all 5 counties of the North West, and we know they have had extremely difficult decisions to make. Our finalists should be extremely proud of themselves for being recognised in this years shortlist.
Co-director, Dave Clarkson said: “A huge thank you to everyone who has invested time filling in their application forms. We’ve been absolutely blown away by the strength and diversity and attention to detail in the applications.”
Sue Baguley from Siemens UK, and who were the hosts of our Judging Day, said: “The number and quality of applications from across the North West region has been outstanding, the businesses are clearly proud to be family businesses and the detail in many of the entries has demonstrated that they are very progressive and innovative.
Fellow judge, Tom Mathew, Group Commercial Director of Dunsters Farm, said: “As always, it was fantastic to hear the stories of the resilient and ambitious businesspeople working in family-run businesses across the region. The judging day is an opportunity for me to contribute to the vibrant family business community but also to go away inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by the applicants. “
The finalists will now receive a visit from our specially selected panel of judges from across the region before the judges make their final decisions. The winners will be announced at a vibrant and entertaining awards celebration on Friday 10th May. You can find out more at North West Family Business Awards – North West Family Business Awards
Cumbria Access Maintenance Solutions (CAMS): Elevate Your Business with Rope Access!
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The team at Winter Tarn Dairy, based at Dockray Hall, Kendal, have just discovered that the company has won a bronze award for their Farm House Salted Butter in the Farm Shop & Deli Products Awards.
The annual awards now in their third year have quality and excellence at their heart. Supported and judged by leading farm shop and deli retailers, top wholesaler buyers and owners and industry experts, the Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards recognises and rewards the best in specialist food and drink products.
In late January through to mid-February, a panel of industry specialist judges, consisting of wholesalers, retailers, and experts, came together to evaluate an amazing collection of entries from independent brands.
The Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards are unique as they assess the overall business model of products. The panel of judges have reviewed everything about the product including the value chain and branding, along with taste, ensuring products are not just great tasting but are well set to successfully sell in the independent sector.
This enhanced criterion gives business confirmation to buyers that an awarded product is worth stocking, and the judges included well known retailers and wholesalers such as Booths, The Gorgeous Food Company, Cotswold Fayre, Diverse Fine Foods and Kitchen Food Company.
This year, saw producers from across the UK enter products into numerous product categories including beverages, chilled and frozen desserts, chilled deli, condiments and sauces, fermented and smoked foods, meat, non-food, plant-based, preserves, savoury biscuits and snacks and sweet bakery and confectionery.
Commenting on the awards, Giorgio Rigali, Head of Communications, Exhibitions at William Reed commented: “Following another record-breaking year for entries, we are thrilled to announce our list of winners for 2024. NPD is critical to growth and these awards are unique, by way that producers get genuine informed feedback on their products and their business model which helps them refine their strategy. The list of winners truly highlights the quality and innovation that is available throughout the specialist retail sector, and we are delighted to be able to provide the opportunity for these businesses to have their products put in front of wholesalers, retailers and experts.”
Harry Jackson, from Winter Tarn, said: ‘’It’s great that Winter Tarn’s Farm House Salted Butter was recognised by the judging panel. Receiving a bronze award shows that we’re creating an excellent product that appeals to a broad audience and stands out from many of its peers on the national stage. Recognition like this is a real achievement for the whole team and recognises everything that they do day in and day out to make the business the success that it is.’’
Harry Jackson Winter Tarn Dairy Butter Packing Machine
Showcasing businesses and services in Cumbria and for Cumbria all in one.
CONTACT TO GET ON THIS PAGE – email info@showcasecumbria.co.uk
Company: Ask Helen Ltd
What they provide: Ask Helen offers personal development and grief coaching services, founded and operated by Helen Arthur, a coach specialising in helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, particularly those related to menopause, grief, and personal growth. At Ask Helen she provides various resources and services aimed at supporting people through difficult life transitions. This includes blog posts on Helen`s social media, coaching programs, and guides on topics such as managing grief, setting SMART goals, and self-care during menopause. Helen emphasises a compassionate approach, drawing from her own experiences and expertise as an Edu-Therapy Specialist and Personal Development Coach to offer practical strategies and emotional support.
What they provide: Rachael Parkinson runs an online coaching business – FSF Coaching (Fit, Strong & Free) taking women from lost, confused, with low self esteem, to feeling confident & looking amazing. They put a stop to the confusion around diets & exercise by building balanced nutrition and effective training to finally feel fit, strong, and ready to take on anything.
What they provide: Castle Computers offers comprehensive IT support and services, ensuring businesses stay up-to-date with the latest technology and cybersecurity measures. They provide friendly and efficient support, addressing IT issues promptly and in an easy-to-understand manner. Their services include planning, installing, and maintaining digital phone systems, as well as offering guidance on GDPR compliance and current cyber threats. Castle Computers is dedicated to keeping systems running smoothly, allowing businesses to operate effectively and safely. They are known for their reliable, approachable service and their ability to explain technical concepts in layman’s terms.
What they provide: Ample Property Group specialises in assisting investors with finding buy-to-let properties specifically in Carlisle here in Cumbria. They also focus on purchasing properties below market value, renovating them with the help of a contractor, and then selling them for a profit. Additionally, they provide property valuations and potential offers for those looking to sell their homes.
You can get a free investor guide via their website – link below.
What they provide: Private Gym Facility in Carlisle City Centre. Small Group Personal Training | Fitness Classes | HYROX | 1-1 & 2-1 Personal Training | Retreats
Payment options: (Please note all purchases are non-refundable). – Pay as you go. – Purchase a flexible bundle. – Take out a monthly membership for biggest savings.
What they provide: Light in the Dark Hypnotherapy, based in Carlisle, Cumbria, offers a range of services to help clients achieve a better, brighter future. Christine, a fully qualified Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist, provides both online and in-person sessions. Services include confidence building, motivation enhancement, anxiety reduction, phobia treatment, and anger management. Christine also offers specialised sessions for improving sports performance and smoking cessation.
What they provide: Ribeiro Ceremonies offers a range of personalised and heartfelt services to celebrate life’s special moments. Whether you’re planning a wedding, vow renewal, baby naming, business launch, or funeral, Celebrant Theresa ensures each ceremony is unique and memorable. Weddings are crafted with a fun, feminist, and inclusive approach, while vow renewals and baby namings are tailored to celebrate love and new beginnings. Business launches and funerals are also handled with care, providing bespoke ceremonies that reflect your needs and wishes. Theresa’s goal is to create ceremonies that are laid-back, engaging, and full of emotion, making every occasion truly special.
What they provide: Menopause Body & Mind offers a comprehensive approach to help women manage menopause symptoms effectively. Here are the key services provided:
Holistic Support: Empowering women with tools to reduce menopause symptoms, boost energy levels, and regain confidence.
Expert Guidance: Led by a certified specialist with years of study and experience in menopause-related issues.
Community and Resources: Providing a supportive environment and reliable information, avoiding contradictory advice often found online.
Personalised Solutions: Tailored strategies to help women feel beautiful, confident, and great about themselves again.
What they provide: Pixel Tweaks Publications, based in Ulverston on the edge of the English Lake District, offers comprehensive book production and self-publishing services. Managed by Russell Holden, the company excels in converting manuscripts into professional publications, including both ebook and paperback formats. Clients praise Pixel Tweaks Publications for their professionalism, creativity, and prompt service, highlighting their ability to handle everything from formatting manuscripts to designing book covers and setting up websites. Pixel Tweaks is known for its reliable, friendly, and personal service, making it a go-to choice for authors and businesses seeking high-quality graphic design and self-publishing solutions.
Eden Paving and Driveways is a reputable Cumbrian business specialising in the installation of high-quality driveways and paving, as well as crafting bespoke outdoor garden structures like fire pits. They are known for transforming outdoor spaces into beautiful, calming oases, catering to both domestic and commercial clients. With a strong presence in locations such as Bowness-on-Windermere, Penrith, Ambleside, Carlisle, Brampton, and Keswick, they have garnered a significant following and positive reviews for their work. Their commitment to excellence is evident in their detailed craftsmanship and the value they bring to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any property.
MBD Coaching Services offers personalized coaching services aimed at fostering freedom, choice, and empowerment in individuals’ lives. Through a combination of coaching, counselling, and mentoring, MBD helps clients overcome past challenges and release blocks that no longer serve them. The focus is on achieving good mental health, a positive mindset, and financial security, which together provide the foundation for making empowered decisions about time, energy, and money. This holistic approach enables clients to live a fulfilled life with peace of mind and greater happiness.
Lakes Sandwiches offers a high-quality alternative to mass-manufactured, processed foods. They pride themselves on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from cheeses to chutneys, supporting the community by creating jobs and partnering with local food producers.
Brandreth Foodsoffers homemade, nutritious meals delivered to customers’ doors. Inspired by the founders’ personal experience with elder care, the company provides a range of frozen dishes, including desserts and seasonal specialties, made with local ingredients. They emphasize convenience, recyclable packaging, and personal service, aiming to nourish both body and soul.
Copper Tree Growth Partners is a consultancy firm specialising in commercial management, sales strategy, and business development. With a focus on driving growth and maximising revenue, Copper Tree provides tailored solutions to help businesses achieve their growth objectives. Led by Founder Eve Halliday, Copper Tree combines expertise with a passion for empowering businesses and their teams to enable growth.
Cumbria Access & Maintenance Solutions is a tight-knit family business born from a love for heights and a commitment to safety. Founded by a duo of seasoned climbers, Cumbria Access & Maintenance Solutions specializes in rope access and elevated work solutions, serving local neighborhoods with precision and care. Despite its modest size, the company is renowned for its professionalism and community engagement. Each project is approached with a personal touch, emphasizing safety and client satisfaction above all else. Cumbria Access & Maintenance Solutions isn’t just a business; it’s a trusted partner in reaching new heights safely.
Lakes Estates is a trusted local estate agency based in Cumbria, Lake District, specialising in the sale and letting of premium properties. Their services include property valuations, and they boast a track record of excellence in handling high-quality properties. The agency prides itself on its dedicated professionals who provide expert guidance through every step of the property transaction, ensuring a positive experience for their clients. They also keep their clients informed with the latest property news and updates, emphasising their commitment to the local community and the real estate industry.
Umbria Green Heart is a purveyor of the finest food and wine from Umbria, known as the Green Heart of Italy. They offer a selection of premium Italian culinary delights that can be purchased online through their website. Additionally, for those who prefer a more personal shopping experience, Umbria Green Heart’s products are available at local markets in Cumbria, where customers can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and direct interaction with the sellers. Whether online or in-person, Umbria Green Heart brings a taste of Italian tradition to the UK.
Company: Cowork.Ulverston within Ulverston Business Centre
What they provide:
Ulverston Business Centre (UBC) is a dynamic hub located in the heart of Ulverston Town Centre, offering a range of high-quality, flexible office accommodations. Catering to the evolving needs of modern businesses, UBC provides a variety of spaces from vibrant coworking areas to private offices suitable for up to six people. The centre is designed to support people-focused enterprises, fostering a professional environment where businesses can thrive. UBC’s facilities include two meeting rooms and communal kitchen areas, complementing the office spaces. They have a total of 30 rooms.
What they provide: All things pet! Located in the heart of Penrith at 16 Devonshire Arcade, Arcade Pet Store is a longstanding and family-run business that offers a wide variety of pet treats, accessories, and products as well as seasonal gifts and cards.
What they provide: Thea’s Lakeland Walks is an award-winning dog day care service located at High Hesket Business Park in Carlisle. They offer a variety of pet care services, including dog day care and pop-in visits, but do not provide overnight boarding. The business prides itself on being environmentally conscious, DBS checked, canine first aid trained, and insured. Services are available in Cumbria and surrounding areas, and they ensure all client information is kept private and secure. The business operates Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm.
What they provide: K C Pet Treats (Cumbrian based company) who offers a wide range of natural dog treats, including bully sticks, beef biltong, and mixed meaty treats. Additionally, they cater to bird owners with products like caged bird seed. Customers can purchase treats in bulk quantities, such as 1kg boxes or packs of multiple items. The store also provides specialized selections, including curated treat boxes for dogs, ensuring a mix of flavours and textures.
What they provide: Twinkletoes of Penrith is a family-run business that specialises in offering high-quality baby and children’s wear at competitive prices. They pride themselves on providing a wide selection of products coupled with friendly and reliable customer service. As authorised stockists for several notable brands, they aim to present unique quality products that are not commonly found in everyday shops such organic baby clothes.
What they provide: Award-winning Black Cat Distillery specialises in producing small batch, hand-crafted artisan gins with unique flavour profiles from a variety of botanicals. Their offerings include their award-winning Spicy Gin, Fruity Gin with pink peppercorn and pomegranate, Savoury Gin with Mediterranean herbs, and Christmas Gin with festive spices. They also conduct gin workshops and have a shop for their products. The distillery is inspired by historical tales and engages in charitable initiatives, such as fundraising 3 Dads Walking for the Papyrus Charity through their special gin releases.
What they provide: Business and Virtual Assistant support for SMEs and neurodiverse business owners. They help small business owners to concentrate on the tasks they enjoy whilst knowing the background administration is being completed. They also have a team with different specialisms ranging from bookkeeping, social media management and graphic design.
The team at Home by Simon Rogan, Cumbria are thrilled to announce that they’ve been awarded four Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards.
The Cartmel based food retail business of internationally acclaimed chef Simon Rogan, whose pioneering farm-to-table ethos is centred on hyper local, sustainably grown, seasonal ingredients, received a total of four gold awards, one for each of the following products:
Home By Simon Rogan Lemon & Thyme Oil
Home By Simon Rogan Mushroom Salt
Home By Simon Rogan Coal Oil
Home By Simon Rogan Fennel Salt
Each of the gold award-winning products has been created by teams led by Our Farm Head Chef Liam Fitpatrick and Events & E-Commerce Head Chef Danny Cunningham, using surplus seasonal produce from Our Farm, Simon Rogan’s Farm in the Cartmel Valley. Our Farm was created with a clear vision in mind; to develop a harmonious relationship between cooking and growing.
As a direct result growers and chefs work side-by-side, applying the same ethos, drive and attention to detail to ensure that each ingredient, as much as possible is used to create components for dishes, whether as a sauce, oil, crumb or seasoning.
Any surplus is repurposed to preserve the abundance of produce from summer, utilising aged old methods including pickling, fermenting, preserving in oil, vinegar and salt. As well as more contemporary practices including dry aging, dehydrating – creating a range of artisanal products that adhere to Simon Rogan’s culinary ethos.
The Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards are unique as they assess the overall business model of products. The panel of judges review everything about the product including the value chain and branding, along with taste, ensuring products are not just great tasting but are well set to successfully sell in the independent sector.
This enhanced criterion gives business confirmation to buyers that an awarded product is worth stocking, and the judges included well known retailers and wholesalers such as Booths, The Gorgeous Food Company, Cotswold Fayre, Diverse Fine Foods and Kitchen Food Company.
This year, saw producers from across the UK enter products into numerous product categories including beverages, chilled and frozen desserts, chilled deli, condiments and sauces, fermented and smoked foods, meat, non-food, plant-based, preserves, savoury biscuits and snacks and sweet bakery and confectionery.
Commenting on the awards, Giorgio Rigali, Head of Communications, Exhibitions at William Reed commented: “Following another record-breaking year for entries, we are thrilled to announce our list of winners for 2024. NPD is critical to growth and these awards are unique, by way that producers get genuine informed feedback on their products and their business model which helps them refine their strategy. The list of winners truly highlights the quality and innovation that is available throughout the specialist retail sector, and we are delighted to be able to provide the opportunity for these businesses to have their products put in front of wholesalers, retailers and experts.”
Home by Simon Rogan E-Commerce & Events Manager, Brooke Vanhinsbergh, remarked: ‘’Winning four Farm Shop & Deli Product Gold Awards is truly amazing. The individual products themselves are part of a whole range of oils, vinegars, condiments, rubs, salts, infusions and specialist kitchen items we’ve developed for aspiring home chefs and food lovers. We’re constantly adding to our range of seasonal creations, which means that there’s always something new to try. All of which sit alongside our regular monthly ‘at home‘ menu offerings, available through the Home by Simon Rogan Shop website.’’
Events & E-Commerce Head Chef Danny Cunningham, said: “We’re over the moon that we’ve been awarded four gold Farm Shop & Deli Show Product Awards in our first year of entering the awards. We are especially pleased as these recognise the expertise of the growing team based at Our Farm, who produce many of the core ingredients in the range of products we sell. The chefs involved in developing our range for Home by Simon Rogan, as well as the entire team behind the scenes involved in the design, retail and distribution of everything we create, work so hard. So these awards acknowledge their dedication.’’
The range of Home by Simon Rogan products can be viewed here
Coniston Stonecraft, nestled on the slopes of coniston old man in the heart of the Lake District has long been celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to sustainability. In recent years the company has taken further strides to ensure that its operations are both efficient and eco friendly.
In an effort to minimise its carbon footprint Coniston Stonecraft has refined its sourcing strategy. The company now purchases slate exclusively from Cumbrian quarries preferably as close to its coniston base as possible. This localised sourcing approach not only supports the local economy but also reduces transport emissions whilst ensuring that the materials used are as sustainable as the products themselves.
Coniston Stonecrafts core lines of kitchen and house wares are achieving real traction throughout the Uk having been listed in Fortnum and Mason in London, Robert Welch in the Cotswolds and Booths closer to home. Their beautiful slate pieces tread a line between utility and artwork as the knowledge and appreciation of Cumbrian slate grows.
A hallmark of their success has been the unique labelling of each piece, detailing both the quarry that the raw slate originates from and the artisan who crafted the piece. This practice not only celebrates the skill and dedication of the slatemasons, but also fosters a deeper connection between the customer and the craft, providing a tangible and authentic link to the piece’s provenance.
Collaborations with independent quarrymen has allowed Coniston Stonecraft to hand select the most interesting and high quality slate. This partnership ensures that each product is not only made from superior materials but also embodies the natural beauty and uniqueness of Cumbrian slate.
Clocks, cheeseboards, signage, lamps, rolling pins, trophies place settings, salt and pepper sets, mounts and a whole variety of bespoke items, life is never boring in a Victorian workshops on a mountain, if you would like to contact them please do so.
The team at the Lake District based tea and coffee merchants John Farrer & Co, Kendal, are thrilled to announce that they have been awarded four Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards.
The Kendal based tea and coffee merchant achieved two gold awards, one for Farrer’s Italian Blend Coffee and a second for Farrer’s Lungo Coffee Pods, they also collected a silver for Farrer’s English Breakfast Tea and a bronze award for Farrer’s Colombian Coffee Bags. Adding to the three awards previously won in 2023, for their Lakeland Special Teabags, Farrer’s No 1 Blend Coffee and Farrer’s Westmorland Blend Coffee.
The annual awards now in their third year have quality and excellence at their heart. Supported and judged by leading farm shop and deli retailers, top wholesaler buyers and owners and industry experts. The Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards recognises and rewards the best in specialist food and drink products.
This enhanced criterion gives business confirmation to buyers that an awarded product is worth stocking, and the judges included well known retailers and wholesalers such as Booths, The Gorgeous Food Company, Cotswold Fayre, Diverse Fine Foods, and Kitchen Food Company.
Commenting on the awards, Giorgio Rigali, Head of Communications, Exhibitions at William Reed commented: “Following another record-breaking year for entries, we are thrilled to announce our list of winners for 2024. NPD is critical to growth and these awards are unique, by way that producers get genuine informed feedback on their products and their business model which helps them refine their strategy. The list of winners truly highlights the quality and innovation that is available throughout the specialist retail sector, and we are delighted to be able to provide the opportunity for these businesses to have their products put in front of wholesalers, retailers, and experts.”
Rob Baines, Farrer’s General Manager, remarked: “We’re delighted to have been awarded four Farm Shop & Deli Show Product Awards this year, bringing our overall total up to seven. Every award the team receives recognises the hard work and dedication of every single one of us, and not only that the passion we all have for what we do day to day – crafting teas and coffees that people enjoy. At every turn we take the utmost care in selecting the beans we roast and teas we source, which we buy directly from small farmers, ensuring that they get a fair price for the crops they have carefully nurtured, which we then in turn transform into products for our customers up and down the country.’’
Showcase Cumbria Contributor: Ray Cassidy from ClimbSEO
I spend much of my time banging on about the need to be seen online. For businesses in a city like Carlisle, it can be the networking meetings that are as important in building your brand. In Carlisle there are a number of different business networking groups nearby that are helpful in growing your business.
I’m currently involved, to varying degrees, in six groups within Carlisle. I thought I would highlight these to show the range of networking events available that you might not yet be aware of. My core small business networking groups are the early morning Thursday group, The Giraffe Network and my Wednesday Network B2B Carlisle group.
A new group, Meerkat Networking, looks set to become a regular feature of my Tuesday mornings (even when I have to make a crack of sparrow-fart start from Glasgow to get back in time).
I am a less frequent visitor to Cumbria Chamber of Commerce’s Business Bites networking sessions, LA23 Net sessions run by We Are Intro and to the Carlisle Ambassadors. That is no reflection on the quality of those meetings. It’s just a consequence of my obsession with climbing. Those meetings often clash with my climbing wall or evening outdoor climbing sessions.
The Giraffe Network
The Giraffe Network is my longest running networking commitment. I was invited along to a meeting about 5 years ago by Paul Thorburn of Tech4 Office Equipment and despite initial nervousness, I found a stable community of supportive and highly entrepreneurial people.
This local business networking group is organised by Paul from Tech 4 and Paul Crooks of Cache4 IT Solutions. The group came about because the two Pauls felt that their previous networking groups lacked a certain something and they wanted to create a supportive group for Carlisle which reflected their own competitive but supportive approach to doing business.
The Giraffe Network has seen a stable core of around 8 people: with various other businesses joining or moving on as circumstances change. The meetings are face to face every week: informal but structured. The Giraffes aim to bring in one business from each business sector. It’s not an absolute exclusivity arrangement but we don’t allow too much overlap between members.
The group gathers at the excellent meeting room belonging to the Cumbria Wildlife Trust in Houghton from about 6:30 am for some informal networking. At some point before 7:00 am, the breakfast rolls arrive. Once breakfast is consumed, the meeting proper starts.
We begin with individual business owners using their one-minute slot to tell the group about wins, how their week went, or problems that they’ve encountered. If we have a visitor, the visitor has the chance to tell us about their business and their story in a significantly longer “one minute”.
At this point, everything stops for tea or for most of the group, coffee.
Following a quick top up, one business member has their featured slot each week and presents to the group, This can take the form of explaining aspects of their business, services and products or it might be an educational topic for the rest of the group. It’s a great opportunity to give out some benefit of their specialist knowledge. The featured slot lasts about 10 minutes with a short break for questions.
Shout Outs come next where we pass thanks or referrals to the rest of the group, when appropriate. There’s no overbearing expectation of keeping up a referral quota, that can lead to disingenuous referrals, as I’ve seen in some groups I’ve visited.
Most weeks will also have a Knowledgebase slot for education and this is usually a 5-minute slot where one of us updates the rest of the group on a particular aspect of our knowledge or puts out a burning question that would be helpful for the rest of us to consider. If we have a visitor, they will often be given this slot to tell us a bit more about their business in greater depth than their extended one minute.
The meetings are rounded off with an Any Other Business / administrative slot. On the final Thursday of each month the featured slot and knowledgebase are replaced with a more freeform question session.
A more recent small business networking group that I have joined is the Network B2B Carlisle group. The Network B2B organisation was set up after our 4Networking groups in Cumbria and the Northeast were disbanded by the powers that be. These were my first forays into the seemingly scary world of business networking that took me beyond Carlisle.
Many of those orphaned business owners were disgruntled by the summary closure of our 4N groups and a few of them got together to set up a replacement. Eventually that group grew into what we now see as Network B2B: and a group was started in Carlisle a few years ago.
This group operates on a similar basis to the Giraffe group but with a kinder start time. Weekly Zoom meetings from 9 to 10:15 am with one business from each sector. The big difference between these two groups is that while most NB2B sessions are conducted via Zoom, there is a face-to-face meeting on the third Wednesday of every month. Our face-to-face meetings are held in the same Cumbria Wildlife Trust premises as the giraffe network. Breakfast in the form of sausage and bacon rolls is provided at these meetings as well.
Meetings start with meet, greet and good news announcements followed by individuals 60 second round. Each member gets to explain who they are, what their business is about, examples of how they work and requests for referrals. The discipline that’s put on these 60 second requests is interesting. The idea is to have identified a specific person within a specific company that you would like help in getting in touch with.
In The Carlisle Group we move straight into the 10-minute presentation. One of the members gives an insight into their business with a presentation or an interactive discussion. The rota for these presentations is published well in advance to give each member plenty of time to prepare something thought provoking.
When our meetings are online via Zoom, we make use of the breakout room function, and each week we get to talk to one other person (occasionally two other people) and we’re able to get down to much more detailed discussions that give us better knowledge of each other helping to build a stronger relationship. Typically, these breakout sessions last for about 5 to 10 minutes until the host closes them down.
Once the breakout rooms close, everyone gets back into the same meeting, and this starts what we call the contribution section. At this point we pass referrals, arrange one to one meetings with other members away from the sessions, or offer our thanks to members who have given us business or help in other ways.
The Meerkat Networking group is a brand-new networking group for Carlisle. This group was set up by Mel Kinsella of Kinsella HR, who has office space with a couple of meeting rooms. This group is very similar in nature and ethos to the previous two but runs on a Tuesday morning between 8:15 and 9:15am. Mel is organising this group similarly to the others with one seat per sector. But, she’s setting out to be a little bit more flexible in this regard; where there is overlap, with potential for useful collaboration.
The inaugural meeting was held on this first Tuesday in February and was attended by a select few business owners and managers who represented a different cross section of the Carlisle business community.
Mel’s background is in HR work, so it’s no surprise that she sets out right from the start to make sure that member’s time is respected and that we are very clear about the kind of referrals and businesses we seek to make contact with.
My first impressions are that this will be a very dynamic addition to the business networking choices in the city. The sessions are slated to last for an hour at the start of the day. Mel says that “…she’s on the lookout for a diverse set of individuals to come together to share insights, best practices, and to make meaningful connections and referrals.”
Initially, the idea is for one representative per sector, as mentioned above, but that’s nuanced. We mostly felt comfortable with flexing this rule a bit and allowing two per specialisation, as long as the group are comfortable with the crossover. In these early days, inaugural members are encouraged to bring along potential recruits, who would be collaboratively minded enough to create a vibrant community!
Member spotlights are 10 minutes and give opportunity for members to highlight what your business does and what services it offers, so we can have a better insight into what you do when members refer your company.
The Chamber of Commerce Connection- Business Bites
For many years Cumbria Chamber of Commerce ran quite large-scale local business networking groups all round Cumbria. During the COVID pandemic these meetings ground to a halt and have only got back up to speed in the past year. The Business Bites concept is for a relaxing after-work session that starts around 5:30 pm in various venues around the newly delineated counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland & Furness.
These meetings are held in venues that provide food: a wee snack at the end of the day. This is usually a selection of canapes. The meetings are unstructured and relaxed with one of the attending businesses chosen to give a very short presentation about their work and services. Currently the venues include the Golden Fleece at Ruleholme, the North Lakes Hotel in Penrith as well as venues in Workington Whitehaven and Barrow in Furness. There is no cost for members of the chamber or non-members.
Sadly, I don’t have a decent photo from any of these events.
The LA23 NET events are a very different kind of networking to all of the other groups mentioned so far. The people at Intro, a leading Cumbria PR and social media marketing agency, have taken over the running of a group that was originally based in Kendal. They have incorporated it into their PR and social media operation.
Each event is quite unique, ranging from a Meet the Press evening, through a foody session on a cheese farm to a Christmas quiz in a brewery. Coming up in the week this article was posted, is a major event promoting tourism in Cumbria. Titled Friday Light Live, it will see businesses gathering at the Intro headquarters in the historic quarter of Carlisle to view the switching on of a huge light show that will illuminate the historic buildings of Carlisle.
Leaders of Cumberland council and Cumbria tourist board will be outlining their plans for Cumbria’s (or should I say Cumberland’s) tourist industry in 2024 followed by food and drinks in one of Carlisle’s more secretive bars. This networking event tends bring in a completely fresh mix of businesses from a wider area than some of the previously mentioned groups.
The Carlisle Ambassadors is another completely different networking concept. Originally it was founded as a means to bring together local business and local government to promote Carlisle, Cumbria and the surrounding area for tourism, commerce , industry relocation and inward investment.
Born in a snowstorm that decimated the numbers at the first event, the group has gone from strength to strength, and is now being modelled by other groups around the country. Events are staged every 3 or 4 months at a major conference venue, typically Carlisle racecourse. These events are much more of an Expo style event, with stands for exhibitors, lunch provided and a programme of talks. The networking takes place in an informal way. Headed up by Michelle Masters, these events have spawned some significant contributions to the wider life of Carlisle and the region.
Very early on, when ideas for supporting communities were sought by Michelle and her team, Andy Fearon of Carlisle Vineyard Church suggested the idea of Give A Day to the City. This led to an amazing outpouring of effort from businesses and their staff teams, into projects that benefitted Carlisle and the surrounding area. Projects ranged across an incredible array: from clearing of the Sheepmount football pitches of flood borne stones and detritus in 2016 to a Portland Square Spruce Up in 2019 and supporting Carlisle Key in renovating homes for homeless people to connecting the Eden Valley Hospice with Hammonds Pond in 2022.
I have to say yes, so long as you go with a mid to long term view. Networking is very much about establishing relationships. There is a well known three step sequence of: Know, Like, Trust, which sums up the process of becoming established in these networking groups.
As well as the half dozen groups mentioned above there are other alternative business networking groups in Carlisle many of which do a very similar job to these. I can’t comment in any detail about them, as I haven’t been involved in other groups for a long time.
Business networks in the city ebb and flow over the years, and it’s a reflection of just how important the personal relationships within those networking groups are. The pressures of running a business, especially over the previous half dozen years of Brexit, the pandemic and even “Trussonomics” can both strengthen or break those relationships. The sheer busyness of doing business can also disrupt any one of the groups mentioned.
I will say that all the groups named above come highly recommended by me and that means no disrespect to any of the other groups operating in Carlisle. So get out there and join a business networking group in Carlisle to enjoy the benefits of peer support, warm referrals and the occasional jolly!
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