News and Views

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) has added three more online events to the range of free support activities now available to businesses in the county.

The free-to-access sessions are open to all Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and are part of CLEP’s expanded business support programme delivered at no cost to participants.

The three upcoming sessions are:

• Manufacturing in Cumbria: Driving Innovation and Growth (Thursday, October 21 -- 08:30 - 10:30);
• Know Your Numbers: A practical guide for micro and small business leaders (Wednesday, October 27 -- 08:30 - 10:30);
• Design for Crime: How to protect your business from the impact of crime (Tuesday, November 23 -- 11:00).

The Manufacturing in Cumbria session is being hosted jointly by CLEP and Barclays Eagle Labs (Cumbria). It is aimed at businesses across the full manufacturing spectrum including food and drink, electronics, healthcare, precision engineering, construction and nuclear and will cover a range of topics including:

• How to access grant funding;
• Routes to finance;
• The benefits of R&D tax credit, patents and other tax incentives;
• Access to skilled and experienced student researchers.

Know Your Numbers is a practical session led by PF Business Consultancy and Moynan Smith accountants, which will help participants understand more about how financial performance shapes and influences business decisions. It is ideal for micro and small businesses looking to plan for future growth and will cover:

• Understanding financial terms and getting to grips with the key numbers within your business;
• Understanding cash flow and working capital;
• Business impact of inventory and stock turn;
• Gross Profit by product, service, and by sales channel;
• Difference between Cost of Sale and fixed costs (expenses);
• Accounting procedures and practices;
• Online platforms which can help with managing your business finances.

The Design for Crime session will be delivered by David Thompson and Andy Hunton, Crime Prevention Officers from Cumbria Constabulary, who will offer practical information and advice to help businesses identify security risks and take measures to reduce physical crime. It will cover:

• Crime risk assessments;
• Securing premises;
• Data security;
• Training staff;
• Preventing employee theft;
• Document disposal;
• Insurance;
• Access control and inventory management.

Lynsey Parke, CLEP Business Growth Manager, said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy in Cumbria. Whether you’re an early stage start-up or a growing business looking to scale, there is inspiration and support in abundance right here on the doorstep.

“CLEP brings together expert advice, events, masterclasses and mentoring as well as providing access to a range of dedicated support programmes both local and national.

“These three events are just part of that programme, offering specific help and guidance on issues of interest. We make it our job to understand the breadth of support available, saving you time and giving you the freedom to focus on running your business.”

To register for the events, go to:

• Manufacturing in Cumbria: https://bit.ly/39lH098
• Know Your Numbers: https://bit.ly/39wrZkX
• Design for Crime: https://bit.ly/39QXxSR

To learn more about CLEP’s business support offer, call 0800 069 6444 or complete the form on our website -- https://www.thecumbrialep.co.uk/how-we-can-help/