Skip to main content
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, where business belongs.

Search

For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

News

May 2015

Displaying 13 - 24 of 26
12 results shown

HSBC has set up a new national fund worth £8 billion aimed at start-ups and established small firms.

Less regulation, a simpler tax system and reformed business rates – these are the top priorities for small firms as they reveal what they want from the new Government in the first poll of SMEs since the election.

Almost half of small and micro businesses in the UK have been victims of cyber crime according to a new survey. But the results also show that many firms are still failing to take the necessary action to protect themselves.

Our round-up of other small business stories making the headlines this week...

Business groups have been swift to react to the unexpected outright win for the Conservatives in the general election as three losing party leaders tender their resignations.

The use of remote working tools, including cloud technology and other online apps, has radically increased as more professionals spend time working away from the office.

The EU executive has set out plans for a digital single market in Europe, covering everything from broadband coverage to copyright rules and courier rates.

Two new surveys from the CBI show that while the manufacturing sector as a whole is struggling, smaller manufacturers report increases in total domestic orders, output and numbers employed in the three months to April.

Our round-up of other small business stories making the headlines this week...

A cut in corporation tax is at the top of the wish list for one in five entrepreneurs, according to a new survey by accountancy firm EY.

British businesses want the UK to remain in the EU but they are calling on the next Government to make EU reform a top priority.

One in five business people admits that they don't understand their commercial energy bills and over two million businesses rarely check their bills even though many believe they are paying too much.