Useful Links
For details of vacant land and premises go to http://www.carlisle.gov.uk/premises
Business Link North West http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest
(external link) The primary source of advice for businesses and
access to Government funded business support schemes.
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and Industry http://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/
(external link) The body that represents the interests of all
businesses in Cumbria.
Federation of Small Business http://www.fsb.co.uk/ (external link)
The national small business organisation that has an active branch
in Carlisle. The FSB can offer an extensive range of member
services and benefits.
North West Development Agency http://www.nwda.co.uk/ (external link)
The regional body charged with the economic development of the
North West region including business support, skills,
infrastructure and ICT.
Cumbria Business Environment Network can provide advice to
businesses on how to reduce costs through better environmental
management practices. Businesses can work towards Bronze, Silver
and Gold Standards. http://www.cumbriaben.com/
(external link)
Envirowise offers free, independent support to your business
helping you to become more resource efficient and save money.
http://envirowise.co.uk
(external link)
District Valuation Office http://www.voa.gov.uk/ (external link)
Responsible for setting Business Rates and handling appeals.
Made In Cumbria http://www.madeincumbria.co.uk/
(external link) Represents the interests of craft and specialist
food businesses.
Invest in Cumbria http://www.investincumbria.co.uk/
(external link) Responsible for attracting new businesses to
Cumbria.
Quality Guild http://www.qualityguild.co.uk/
(external link) A county-wide association of quality assessed
businesses.
Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
http://www.defra.gov.uk/
(external link) Includes details of grants for rural
businesses.
Inland Revenue http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/
(external link) Information on Self Assessment, PAYE, Sick Pay and
Maternity payments. New businesses can register with the Inland
Revenue on line.
Action with Communities in Cumbria (ACT) supports rural
communities and businesses in Cumbria. Includes the Rural Women's
Network and the Enterprising Communities initiative. http://www.cumbriaaction.org.uk/
(external link)
The Environment Agency is responsible for environmental
regulations and can provide advice to businesses. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/
(external link)
Cumbria Tourism http://www.cumbriatourism.org/
(external link)
Hadrian's Wall Heritage can provide help to tourism businesses
along the World Heritage site. The Hadrian Means Business project
can help suppliers of gifts and food products. http://www.hadrianswallheritage.co.uk/
(external link)
Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency provides advice to rural
businesses and to farmers on diversification. http://www.crea.co.uk/ (external
link)
Cumbria Vision http://www.cumbriavision.co.uk/
(external link) is the strategic body for economic development on
Cumbria.
University of Cumbria http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/ (external
link)
Cumbria Community Asset & Reinvestment Trust Ltd (CART)
provides loans designed to help new businesses start up and grow,
established businesses expand or to set up social enterprises such
as co-operatives or other voluntary organisations that have social
benefit or community development as their objective. http://www.ccart.org.uk/ (external
link)