The Chamber has relaunched its Made in Cumbria initiative with a new website – https://www.madeincumbria.co.uk – backed by an intensive social media campaign.
The site features stunning photography and tells the stories behind member businesses to drive traffic to their websites.
Rob Johnston, Chief Executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “We have many outstanding, world-class craft and food and drink businesses in Cumbria.
“But individually, they can struggle to be heard. That’s where Made in Cumbria comes in. The new website is a fantastic shop window to help these businesses find new routes to market.”
Made in Cumbria already has a strong social media presence, with 11,000 active followers on Facebook and Twitter.
It is adding Instagram to the mix and is planning a big social media push to drive traffic to the new website.
This will include Facebook live streaming of product demonstrations and tastings from the Made in Cumbria shop in Branthwaite Brow, Kendal, which has been reinvented as a showcase where business can interact directly with customers.
The shop hosted tastings and product demonstrations in the week before Easter to promote the relaunch.
Made in Cumbria members taking part included Cartmel Farm Shop, Coniston Country Larder, Romneys, Chocolate Cottage, Friendly Food, Ginger Bakers, Hawkshead Relish, Pure Lakes, Penningtons, Mint Drinks and Lakeland Artisan. There will also be freshly-baked artisan bread each day from Yard 46 Café..
Rob added: “We’ve expanding the range of stock and created extra space for tastings and demonstrations to make the shop a destination for lovers of good food and great craftsmanship.
“We’re dovetailing this retail offer with the website and social media to create a powerful marketing tool for members.
“We’re also looking at options to take Made in Cumbria on the road at key locations and events around the county.”
There are plans too to boost sales of Made in Cumbria hampers, which have been growing anyway.
They make popular Christmas presents but are now being promoted as year-round as hotel and corporate gifts offering an authentic taste of Cumbria.
The new website incorporates an e-commerce facility allowing people to order individual hampers online.
Membership of Made in Cumbria is open only to businesses whose products are wholly produced or substantially manufactured and finished in Cumbria.
Not only does it help them sell their products, they can access business support through Cumbria Business Growth Hub.
To find out more about membership call Michelle Wiggins on 0845 226 00 40 or email michelle@cumbriachamber.co.uk
