Results of BCC Business Outlook Survey 2023 published with record input from Cumbrian businesses
![](https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Suzanne_860-384x384-1.png)
Cumbria Chamber has seen a record number of businesses contributing to the British Chamber of Commerce’s first survey of the year, the Business Outlook Survey 2023.
Businesswomen urged to be brave at Cumbria’s International Women’s Day
![Businesswomen urged to be brave at Cumbria’s International Women’s Day](https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Businesswomen-urged-to-be-brave-at-Cumbrias-International-Womens-Day.jpg)
Cumbria’s businesswomen were urged to be brave to overcome challenges and make the most of their careers at an event to celebrate International Women’s Day this week.
Local Skills Improvement Plan progress update
![Local Skills Improvement Plan progress update](https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Local-Skills-Improvement-Plan-progress-update.jpg)
Work on taking the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) forward, as part of the national roll out is currently in full swing. This initiative is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and is focussed on putting employers at the heart of Further Education and technical skills, including apprenticeships, making sure provision meets current and future needs.
Cumbria Chamber’s Power 40 meet for tour of BAE Systems and talk on Armed Forces Covenant
![Cumbria Chamber’s Power 40 meet for tour of BAE Systems and talk on Armed Forces Covenant](https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Cumbria-Chambers-Power-40-meet-for-tour-of-BAE-Systems-and-talk-on-Armed-Forces-Covenant.png)
The Power 40’s first event of 2023 took place on Wednesday 8th February in Barrow, at BAE Systems’ Submarines site, followed by dinner at Abbey House Hotel and presentations around the Armed Forces Covenant.
A complete guide to grant funding allocation
![A complete guide to grant funding allocation](https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/A-complete-guide-to-grant-funding-allocation.png)
If you’re considering applying for a grant to provide your business with valuable financial support, it’s important to be aware of how grants are allocated and how likely you are to get one. Here’s everything you need to know.
How Chamber membership can help you cut costs in your business
![How Chamber membership can help you cut costs in your business](https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/How-Chamber-membership-can-help-you-cut-costs-in-your-business.png)
With the UK economy currently in recession and experiencing high inflation, businesses are looking for ways to reduce costs now more than ever.
Chamber Protect Hot Topics: Abusive Behaviour and Health & Safety Inspections
![Chamber Protect Hot Topics Abusive Behaviour and Health & Safety Inspections](https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Chamber-Protect-Hot-Topics-Abusive-Behaviour-and-Health-Safety-Inspections.png)
Aggressive & Abusive Behaviour – Should you automatically dismiss?
Two Chamber members announced as Regional Winners at the BCC Business Awards
![](https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Two-Chamber-members-announced-as-Regional-Winners-at-the-BCC-Business-Awards.jpg)
Two Chamber members announced as Regional Winners at BCC Chamber Business Awards
Top tips to help your business use less energy this Autumn
![](https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Top-tips-to-help-your-business-use-less-energy-this-Autumn.jpg)
With energy bills in the news, businesses of all sizes are keeping a close eye on how much they’re using day to day.
Chambers’ Economic Forecast: New PM must act as UK economy set for recession before year end
![Spring Statement Response](https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Spring-Statement-Response.jpg)
The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) forecast predicts the UK economy will plunge into recession before the end of 2022, with inflation spiking to 14% and lingering weakness in growth expected to continue into 2024.