New opportunities to extend visitor season
Our new five-month autumn/winter marketing campaign launches from October, packed full of fresh inspirational content to help Cumbria stand out from the crowd and give potential visitors plenty of reasons to come all year round.
The new Let’s Go destination campaign builds on the 148 million reach of our seasonal campaigns over the past 12 months and is designed to stimulate seasonal bookings and encourage multi-night stays
Let s Go will combine PR, digital activity, competitions and practical marketing support to help you boost trade Turn to page 4 to see 10 ways you can get involved with the campaign now Highlights will include the month-long Cumbria Dark Skies Festival (24 Oct – 21 Nov) and the return of our interactive Advent Calendar in the run-up to Christmas
Also brand new for 2025 is ‘Oktoberfest Cumbria , inspired by the world s most famous beer festival The event will feature themed food
Turning research into results
Are you tapping into our free research reports, to help you make more informed decisions around marketing and business planning?
Our full range of research includes data such as visitor volume and value, occupancy levels, attraction figures and business performance
and drink, live music and cultural events and family-friendly activities As a business, there s still time for you to take part – whether that’s hosting a one-off event, running themed menus and entertainment, or even creating a limitededition beer to mark the occasion
The full programme will be available at www.visitlakedistrict.com/Oktoberfest Explore practical ideas and advice about taking part here
Plus we ll be revealing the results of our latest in-depth Cumbria Visitor Survey this autumn, with a sneak peek at the headlines at our November Members’ meeting
2,000 face-to-face interviews have been taking place at 60+ locations county wide to help provide the latest information about who is visiting Cumbria, what they do here, how they rate their experience, changing trends and much more
The findings will be complemented by our online visitor survey, so please help us gather as much visitor feedback as possible by asking your customers to complete the survey by 30 September at visitlakedistrict com/survey2025
The full analysis will be available to CT members later this year, using your usual Library login here The Cumbria Visitor Survey will also directly inform our winter marketing campaign
Dark Skies at Askham Fell
Great ways to save your business money
Have you checked the list of 30+ exclusive member discounts lately? Don’t miss out on exclusive financial benefits which could help reduce your day-to-day costs
n Hospitality products and services: We work closely with a number of the county’s premium hospitality suppliers, with special offers available to CT members
n Professional services: Our Strategic Partners and supplier members offer a wealth of specialist expertise which can support your business behind the scenes, such as legal,
financial, HR and property services
n Digital, web and print: A number of specialist designers, printers and creatives within CT membership provide special discounts to support your promotional activity
There are also CT member benefits available to help you with renewable energy solutions, building and property maintenance and fire safety, as well as sourcing free room hire or discounted accommodation
Make the most of your exclusive member discounts and offers here
£500 grants for your team
Could one (or more) of your staff benefit from Cumbria Tourism’s Charitable Fund?
Our Strategic Partner Cumbria Community Foundation is distributing grants of up to £500 to those who are newly employed in our industry, as well as students aged 16+ who live and study/train in the county
Whether it’s for specialist equipment like kitchen utensils or uniforms, study materials, travel or hardship costs, find out more here or contact Tracy Cheesbrough on 01900 825760 or email: grants@cumbriafoundation.org
Your voice on the national stage
We are the official voice of Cumbria s tourism and hospitality sector – and thanks to your direct feedback we can provide strong evidence to successfully lobby national decision-makers like the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on everything from rising costs to transport and infrastructure
We ve recently been appointed by the DCMS Workforce Board to feed into national tourism strategy alongside the likes of UKHospitality, ABTA and VisitEngland – Cumbria and Manchester are the only regional destinations to be included
Meanwhile, we have a seat at the table with local Government and continue to connect and work with all six of Cumbria’s MPs to ensure your views are represented and the value of our visitor economy is recognised
In recent weeks, we ’ ve met with Barrow and Furness MP Michelle Scrogham and Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron, and have a meeting coming up with Markus Campbell-Savours (Penrith and Solway) We re also in regular
contact with Julie Minns (Carlisle), Josh MacAlister (Whitehaven & Workington) and Lizzi Collinge (Morecambe & Lunesdale)
Meanwhile, we ll be launching our next Business Performance Survey shortly, providing vital evidence to strengthen our calls for the Government to support tourism and hospitality ahead of the Autumn Budget
Request your free bedroom browsers
We’ve already distributed around 10,000 bedroom browsers to B&Bs and hotels across the county, to help guests plan days out It s free to them in rooms, so contact campaigns@cumbratourism org if you d like some delivered
More than 17,500 royalty-free images
Our online media library continues to grow Following recent photo shoots, there are more than 17,500 high quality images now available exclusively to members to use throughout your own marketing Browse the Media Library here
New funding for visitor events
Look out for new funding to support 2026 visitor events in the coming weeks Our partners at The Lakes Hospitality Trade Show will be opening applications for marketing grants to event organisers this autumn Watch this space!
CT Chair Mark Holroyd with Barrow MP Michelle Scrogham and our MD Gill Haigh
MARKETING CAMPAIGNS
Winter Marketing Campaign: Ten ways you can get involved
As a CT member, you can get involved with a series of high-profile marketing activities as we push to extend the season, encourage overnight stays and build momentum for forward bookings this autumn/winter
∂ Free marketing resources: Branded campaign images are available via our Media Library Get behind our monthly themes to boost your digital engagement with customers, including: Attractions & Families (October), Food & Drink / Dark Skies (November) and Festivals & Celebrations (December)
∑ Raise a stein to Oktoberfest Cumbria: Whether it s hosting a one-off event or running themed menus/entertainment, get involved in this brand new month-long festival to encourage longer stays Find out more here
∏ Shine a light on stargazing visitors: Cumbria Dark Skies Festival (24 October21 November) is a catalyst to reach new audiences Submit your event and access a range of ‘Dark Skies’ resources here
π Benefit from our Virtual Advent Calendar: Profile your business with a prize and get the chance to collect valuable opt-in data to build your marketing database Contact dstearne@cumbriatourism org to take part
∫ Free training for your business: Turn to page 7 for a packed line-up of free specialist
Cumbria shines on the international stage
Our research shows that international visitors tend to spend 55% more per person per day than domestic visitors, often visit out of season, and bring benefits to the entire county
To maximise these benefits, the CT team has kicked off a busy autumn of global promotion this month, showcasing our county on the world stage at the prestigious Destination Britain America 2025 trade event in Mexico
As the sole representatives of our county and member businesses, we highlighted Cumbria s unique landscapes, culture and visitor experiences to influential buyers from across the US and Canada It was also a chance to showcase our brand new Travel Trade Guide for the first time
It s just the start of a packed season of international activity this autumn Next up, we’ll be flying the flag for Cumbria at the Group Leisure & Travel Show (2 Oct), World Travel Market (4-6 Nov) and Destination Britain China & Northeast Asia in Chengdu, China (26-28 Nov)
i Do you have exciting product news for the international media and travel trade? Share updates, events and anniversaries via campaigns@cumbriatourism.org
training, including AI, social media, PR, Dark Skies and even a virtual session to help you make the most of our winter campaign!
ª Harness MyCumbria to boost business: Reach new regional audiences and boost footfall with a special offer on our residentsonly MyCumbria card scheme Tap into the MyCumbria website and marketing channels as free promotional tools Find out more here
º Upload your events for free: Maximise your reach by uploading unlimited events on visitlakedistrict com
Ω Share your headline news: Share your latest 2026 news and developments to help us catch the attention of high-profile national journalists, broadcasters and influencers Email pressoffice@cumbriatourism.org
æ Make your online listings stand out: Tell visitors what makes your business special with up-to-date listings (including up to 20 photos) Refresh your social media, TripAdvisor, awards and opening times for maximum impact Contact website@cumbriatourism org for support
ø Discover winter marketing packages: Promote your business during the winter months with some great savings on offer Book your package via dstearne@cumbriatourism.org
Coastal spotlight
Free Smarter Travel tool
7,000+ journeys have now been planned sing our online travel planner since it unched
Free to members, this online tool lows you to send out personalised travel lans to customers before they visit and otifies them of travel updates Visitors an also search venues and places to visit nd are given personalised journey routes o help them experience new places
Download our ‘Quick Start’ guide here or chat to our web team if you’d like to know more: website@cumbriatourism org
We re working hard with businesses and communities to throw the spotlight firmly on our epic coastline
The Expansion of Cumbria Coastal Route (CCR) Viability Study was published earlier this year and work is now starting to deliver some of the exciting short and medium-term suggestions and opportunities
In the coming months, project teams from CT will be engaging with coastal businesses
Increasing our cultural visitors
Our in-depth visitor research shows that culture is a key motivator for visitors, and with a footfall increase of 220,000 in the first two years of the Let’s Go Culture campaign, it s continuing to help businesses maximise some of the county’s world-class cultural assets
With 40+ cultural venues, attractions and events now participating, we re continuing to spearhead a range of social media promotion, PR, digital marketing and training for businesses
This UKSPF funded campaign runs until February 2026, so if you re a venue in the Westmorland & Furness Council area, you can still benefit Contact Amanda Shaw on: ashaw@cumbriatourism org
to offer both business support and PR/ marketing opportunities Initial work is starting in the Cumberland Council area through UKSPF funding, so contact ahilton@cumbriatourism.org to get involved
n Also look out for details of an exciting new coastal marketing campaign in the Spring, working with national partners to showcase our coastline for 2026
Showcasing Carlisle and Hadrian’s Wall
Autumn and winter is a fantastic time to visit the north of the county, so we ’ ve launched a campaign to inspire visits and encourage new and repeat stays
Our new video showcasing member businesses in and around Carlisle and Hadrian s Wall has just been launched There s also a 1-minute showcase video and a suite of themed social media clips designed to engage audiences across multiple channels
This activity is supported by a targeted digital campaign, plus new itinerary content to help visitors make the most of their time in the area
Making the journey part of the experience
The next stage of our award-winning Go Car Free campaign launches on World Car Free Day on 22 September
This integrated marketing and PR campaign – working alongside Stagecoach, Avanti, Northern and TransPennineExpress – has previously reached around 92 million people, with operators reporting uplifts in passenger numbers September 2025 is a major focus for car free travel as it s ‘Let s Catch the Bus Month , as well as the 100th anniversary of the 555 bus route through the Lakes and ‘Railway 200 – marking 200 years of the modern railway (Saturday 27 September)
Look out for lots of content and PR activity around these events, and use these hooks to talk about car-free options for your guests!
Visit Kirkby Lonsdale
We re proud to be working on package of strategic PR and marketing to help showcase Kirkby Lonsdale
Recent activity has included the creation of a new promotional video which generated 32,000 social media views within the first week alone, along with high-profile press trips, digital content and extensive business support/ training
The CT team are working closely with Kirkby Lonsdale Community Interest Company (CiC) as part of this SPF-funded project through Westmorland and Furness Council
Banks East Turret at Hadrian s Wall
Whitehaven
WITH
Our North & Midlands team has either sold or agreed deals worth more than £100 million so far in 2025.
Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with 4.8/5 stars.
Named Top Hotel & Leisure Agent (UK) in Estate Gazette’s Radius Rankings for last four years.
“Having lived in Windermere and worked locally in the tourism and hospitality sector in the Lake District and Cumbria for over 35 years, I have an extensive knowledge of property and businesses in the area. I am here to help Hotel, Wedding Venue, Guest House and B&B owners maximise the
Free workshops and webinars for autumn
We have a range of workshops and training events coming up this autumn
All complimentary as part of your CT membership, these will give you practical skills to develop your business
Find out more and book online here First come, first served!
n Mon 6 Oct: Social Media for Beginners (webinar, 11am-midday)
n Thurs 9 Oct: Dark Skies and Winter Campaign: How to get involved (webinar, 11am-midday)
n Mon 13 Oct: Working with Social Media Influencers (webinar 11ammidday)
n Weds 15 Oct: Wealth and Succession Planning, with Burnetts (webinar 11am-midday)
n Weds 22 Oct: Employment Rights Bill: Preparing for the Future, with Burnetts (webinar, 9am-10 15am)
n Weds 22 Oct: PR for Small Tourism Businesses – Telling your Story (workshop at Staveley, 10 30-midday)
n Tues 11 Nov: SEO & AI: Online visibility in the age of AI (workshop at Staveley, 10am-midday)
Member
meet ing will look at extending our season
Goog le’s AI shift –opportunities and challenges for tourism businesses Expert view
A 10% increase in visitor spend in each of the off-peak months and 5% in the shoulder months would increase overall spend (based on 2024 figures) by around £247 million
Join our next member meeting where we will focus on how Cumbria can grow the value of its winter offer and how you can benefit
Find out more about:
n Cumbria Tourism’s Winter Campaign
n New and diversified off-season product
n New winter events and experiences – including the new Grizedale Observatory
n Key audiences
n Partnership opportunities
n Top tips
You ll also get a sneak peek at the headlines from this year s Cumbria Visitor Survey of 2,000+ individuals – helping inform and shape your own marketing plans There will also be plenty of time for networking and lunch will be included
Secure your free place here for our next members meeting on Thursday
6 November at The Grange Hotel, Grange-over-Sands
Google Search has been changing apidly over the past year, from the ntroduction of AI Overviews in August 2024, to the UK rollout of AI Mode this uly These developments are eshaping search behaviour and mpacting traditional performance metrics like clicks
Cumbria Tourism’s in-house SEO expert, AMANDA MacINTYRE (pictured), explores what this means for tourism and hospitality businesses and how to adapt
What is AI Mode?
AI Mode is Google’s new “search experience”, which uses Gemini, its generative AI assistant to provide immersive, AI-powered answers Instead of only showing website links, AI Mode collects information from across the web and presents it in a formatted, conversational response, similar to ChatGPT
What are the implications?
AI Mode doesn t always align with organic rankings A business may appear in AI Mode results even if it doesn’t rank in search, and vice versa To find out how this works on a local scale, I investigated 60 keywords related to tourism and hospitality in Cumbria Key findings include:
n AI Mode cites more URLs than AI Overviews
n There is just a 14 3% overlap between domains cited in the two features
n Social media and user-generated content websites are top winners
n Google-owned domains (maps, shopping, etc) dominate citations, so keeping your Google Business Profile updated is vital
i To dive deeper into what this means for your business, read Amanda’s full blog article and register to join November’s in-person workshop (see above left).
Our last member meeting
MEET YOUR NEW CHAIR
We’re all in this together
Cumbria Tourism’s new Chair, Mark Holroyd, has stepped into the role with a clear focus: championing the needs of tourism and hospitality operators across the county.
Here Mark discusses his background, his priorities, and how he plans to work with member businesses to keep Cumbria’s visitor economy strong, sustainable and competitive.
What do you want tourism and hospitality businesses to know about you?
First and foremost, I’m from Cumbria, so I understand how deeply tourism is woven into the county s way of life I started out working in local restaurants and I’ve experienced the front line of hospitality Since then, I ve worked across grassroots tourism development, national park management and sustainable transport, as well as leading national programmes with VisitBritain
In my current role with Forestry England, I oversee recreation and communications across the North, including Whinlatter and Grizedale I’ve also served on a number of boards nationally and regionally, so I bring both hands-on local knowledge and a strategic perspective of how our industry operates nationally and internationally
Businesses are facing some real pressures
What do you see as the most urgent challenges?
Without doubt, rising costs Staff wages,
supplies, services – everything is going up, and that s putting real pressure on margins Recruitment and skills shortages remain major issues, especially in hospitality Then there are long-term challenges like housing and transport, which affect the workforce that our businesses rely on Add to that the need to manage seasonality and drive real growth across all parts of the county and you ’ ve got a complex range of challenges
How will Cumbria Tourism help businesses tackle these issues?
As a county, we re making good progress on our Destination Management Plan (DMP) which outlines a shared vision for balanced, regenerative growth However, there is much more to be done together as we continue to tackle complex challenges like housing,
transport, recruitment and skills, while driving forward key priorities to increase the value of the tourism economy in the leaner winter months and in the less well-known areas, including our coastal areas, the city of Carlisle and where the Lakes meets the Dales
Where do you stand on the debate around a tourism levy?
It s not a simple issue We re cautious, but above all, CT wants to listen There are strong and differing views within the industry, so in the coming months, we ll be engaging with member businesses to understand their perspectives Whatever happens, it’s essential that the voice of Cumbria s visitor economy is clearly heard in those discussions
Finally, what’s your message to tourism businesses as you begin this role?
My message is: we ’ re in this together Tourism is the heart of what makes Cumbria an amazing place to live, work, study and invest –and the collective knowledge and resilience of our businesses are incredible
Cumbria Tourism is a nationally respected voice for our county and my role is to ensure it continues to be forward-thinking, innovative and laser-focused on members’ needs
Together, we can drive sustainable countywide economic growth, while delivering huge social and cultural benefits for our local communities and showing people that tourism is a force for good
Mark-Holroyd, Cumbria Tourism’s new Chair
Supporting all-year-round tourism
New Non Executive Directors join Board
Four new faces were recently appointed to Cumbria Tourism’s Executive Board to support members and help guide our £4.6 billion tourism industry on your behalf. They reflect the diversity and geographical breadth of tourism businesses in Cumbria and volunteer their time to champion the county as a world-class visitor destination Each will offer specialist knowledge and expertise to CT in our role as VisitEngland’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership for Cumbria
Chris Gallagher-York is Finance Director at the Umbel Restaurant Group, an industryleading hospitality operator where he oversees financial planning and commercial strategy With a passion for the county and its food and tourism industries, Chris is committed to helping Cumbria thrive He brings his financial expertise and a practical understanding of the visitor economy Chris lives in Cumbria with his family and is a proud supporter of local businesses
• Representing finance and food & drink –Cartmel Peninsula and Morecambe Bay
Jen Garrick is the CEO of a real institution of the West Cumbrian arts scene, Rosehill Arts Trust With over a decade of board experience, and a background in destination management, technology and marketing, she brings a wealth of skills and experience to Cumbria Tourism Jen is a particularly passionate advocate for the transformative power of accessible arts and culture
• Representing arts & culture – Western Lake District & Coast
Hrishikesh Desai, known as Hrishi, is the Chef Patron of Farlam Hall, an 18-bedroom Relais & Châteaux and PoB Hotel with a Michelin Star and AA Rosette status Hrishi's journey in hospitality began in India and then one of the world s leading culinary schools in France, followed by further training with renowned chefs and multiple awards Outside the kitchen, Hrishi is passionate about stargazing, beekeeping and cricket
• Representing food & drink, skills & education, small hotel sector – Carlisle and the Borders
Tom Waterhouse is MD for Stagecoach
Cumbria & North Lancashire, with services which travel 13 4 million miles and carry 22 5 million passengers each year A former graduate trainee with Stagecoach, Tom previously held the role of Operations Director He lives with his partner and family just outside
Carlisle He is also a non exec board member of the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce
• Representing sustainable transport –countywide
Also reappointed to our Executive Board were Jamie Allison (Napthens Solicitors, professional services) and Jennifer Cormack (Winander Leisure, international marketing and partnerships) To further broaden Board representation and expertise, a number of new Observers will support the Board These include: Jess Manley (The Yan, sustainability), Alex Greenwood (S-Cape Travel, outdoor adventure), Judi Blakeburn, (Another Place, brand and marketing) and Ben Mayou (Lakeside Hotel, hotel sector)
i See the full list of Cumbria Tourism’s Non-Executive Directors here
Rachel re-appointed as Vice Chair
Rachel Bell (pictured) has been re-appointed as Cumbria Tourism s Vice Chair She is Head of Marketing and Business Development for Lake District Estates, which includes Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway and Ullswater Steamers , alongside non-serviced accommodation, caravan parks, retail, and food and beverage
Rachel plays an active role in the Ullswater Association, the Western Lake District and Coast group, Bay Tourism and the Lake District Hotels Association
She says: “As someone who cares deeply about our county’s future, I’m proud to take up a second term as CT s Vice Chair These are tough times for the sector and it s incumbent on us all to work together to overcome some of the challenges and embrace opportunities such as accessibility, transport, sustainability and inclusivity, all of which are fundamental to delivering responsible, regenerative growth
CT s new Board members with President Jim Walker (third left) and MD Gill Haigh (fourth left). L-R: Chris Gallagher-York, Hrishikesh Desai, Jen Garrick and Tom Waterhouse
We’re getting people into tourism jobs
The innovative ‘Welcome to Work project’ has seen some great results over its first 12 months: we’ve engaged with 370 people and crucially, 111 have found work
This UK SPF-funded project aims to give people who are furthest from the labour market the opportunity to access meaningful employment
Working with both authorities and a wide range of partners, this has included helping people with disabilities to get into work, matchmaking people with vacancies through our Tourism Talent Hub and engaging with education providers to promote the visitor economy as a potential career path for young people
Meanwhile, we ’ re proud to announce a brand new partnership with ‘Movement to Work , to create meaningful employability opportunities for young people in Cumbria who aren t in education, employment or training (NEET)
This partnership will focus on co-creating practical pathways into work, through high-quality placements, training, mentoring, and access to employment across the visitor economy
Striving to break down transport barriers
We are continuing to lobby hard on behalf of members to improve transport connectivity across the county – a vital step in supporting our workforce and tackling recruitment barriers in the visitor economy
Through ongoing meetings with both local authorities, we re ensuring your voices are heard as part of wider transport improvement plans One of our current priorities is pushing for extended bus timetables that better reflect our industry s shift patterns
We know there s more work to be done, particularly along the west coast If you re based in the Buttermere or Borrowdale Valleys and would like to share your transport challenges, contact Natalie Fryer at: nfryer@cumbriatourism org
We d also love to hear your feedback on existing services – whether improved bus timetables have already made a positive difference for your business or transport continues to be a recruitment barrier, and why Your insights are vital in helping us keep this issue firmly on the agenda
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
• Upload your job vacancies for free on the Tourism Talent Hub: Featured jobs appear in Google s rich results for job listings, which means they ve made 200,000+ online impressions, leading to 13,000 clicks to job listings in the last 12 months
• Attend events and training: We’ve previously funded training around inclusivity and neurodiversity Keep your eye on our events page for training that can support you to recruit and retain those with barriers
• Introductions to your local school, college or university: We can help connect your business with educational institutions to explore opportunities for careers engagement, apprenticeships and wider staff training Contact Molly Hill at mhill@cumbriatourism org
Welcome Host
customer service training
Cumbria Tourism is now fully accredited to deliver three nationally-recognised Welcome to Excellence programmes, a series of training courses for businesses and employers in the visitor economy
The demand for this training was identified through the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), and we are responding with accessible, high-quality courses tailored to industry needs
n Welcome Host: A practical customer service course designed to develop essential communication skills and local knowledge
n Welcome Host Gold: A one-day course focusing on the core skills required to deliver exceptional service in a fast-evolving sector
This flexible training can be customised to suit your business or destination
n Welcoming All Customers: Practical guidance to help staff confidently meet the needs of all customers, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility
i For more information, contact Rob Davies at rdavies@cumbriatourism org
Bassenthwaite Lake Station
CT's Rob Davies at Barrow Jobs Fair
LOOKING AHEAD
A
Begin your pre Budget tax planning now
With the Autumn Budget set to be the most significant of this Parliament, Cumbria Tourism Strategic Partner Lamont Pridmore is urging business owners to get their tax affairs in order now, before potential changes take effect.
The warning comes as the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) estimates that the Government will miss its own borrowing rules by over £41 billion, which is likely to result in moderate but sustained increase in taxes” to bridge the gap
While Labour s manifesto promised no increases to Income Tax, National Insurance or VAT for “working people”, other tax changes remain firmly on the table
Many experts, including Lamont Pridmore, believe that potential measures could include:
n Reducing the tax deductible amount of pension contributions
n Reducing ISA investment limits
n Increasing the dividend tax rate from 8 75% to 15%
n Adjusting capital allowances on business investments
n Expanding the goods and services that are subject to VAT at 20%
n Reforming Inheritance Tax (IHT) rates and allowances further
n Freezing allowances and reliefs for further years
Significant IHT changes are already in motion From 6 April 2026, the combined value of Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) will be capped at £1 million for 100 per cent relief
Estates with qualifying assets above this
Graham Lamont
Expert view
threshold will see the rate of relief reduced to 50 per cent – effectively introducing a 20 per cent tax charge on assets that were previously tax free
Following the Government’s U-turn on Disability Benefits and the Winter Fuel Allowance, as well as additional spending commitments on defence, there is mounting speculation that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will have to raise taxes to plug a widening hole in the public finances
Graham Lamont, Chief Executive of Lamont Pridmore, said: It is becoming apparent that tax increases are almost inevitable, given the fact that Labour and the Chancellor remain committed to their strict fiscal rules
If it intends to spend more, but not borrow more, then the money must come from somewhere The reality is that taxpayers could face a very different landscape after this Budget
“If you want to make the most of current allowances and reliefs, which may be stripped away in the Budget later this year, you may need to act before any changes are announced
Graham added that many people are not currently making the most of the tax planning opportunities available to them and that a variety of steps can be taken for people to make more of their money
Lamont Pridmore recommends you undertake the following well ahead of the Budget on Wednesday 26 November:
n Tax-deductible pension contributions
n Pay ISA contributions
n Vote your maximum dividends
n Invest in tax deductible equipment, fixtures and fittings
n Adopt a wait and see stance on business property relief and IHT
"Effective and adaptable tax planning is not something you can leave until after the Chancellor has spoken The earlier you prepare, the more options you have, Graham added
Contact Lamont Pridmore s tax planning specialists for detailed information tailored to your own circumstances
Visit www lamontpridmore co uk or call 0800 234 6978
A Kinder Banking approach
SCOTT McKERRACHER (pictured), Head of Commercial at The Cumberland, introduces the Society’s business savings offering underpinned by its Kinder Banking approach.
Supporting our local communities isn t new to The Cumberland 2025 has been milestone year as we ’ ve celebrated our 175th birthday, having been an integral part of our community since 1850
We offer business savings and current accounts within our core operating areas of Cumbria, Lancashire, and Southwest Scotland, all with the personal service we pride ourselves on
Our savings offering is typical of our Kinder Banking approach It incorporates awardwinning service delivered by our dedicated Business Savings & Current Accounts team with a 31-strong branch network, enabling business savings customers to access the support they need when they need it, via a real person
By building relationships with the businesses who choose to bank with us, we can understand unique business needs, helping us deliver an exceptional customer experience
As a building society with a mutual structure, business savings account holders are helping to t other businesses and community atives across the region It s proven be an attractive proposition for ike-minded businesses with similar values to ours
Phil Blaylock, Cumberland business savings customer and owner of Lakeland Trails told us:
With The Cumberland, I know that ere are any issues I can speak to ne to resolve them and get it sorted Having that safeguard there, with a building society which shares our values and proactively works with us, is important
i For more information on The Cumberland’s
Expert view
Preparing for the unexpected
The autumn and winter months bring their own set of unique risks KARA JENKINSON (pictured), Head of Commercial at H&H Insurance Brokers, explains how to protect your business against the unexpected.
No one can predict the future but you can prepare for it Insurance protects your property, assets and ultimately your livelihood, and gives you peace of mind that if the worst happens, you can get back on your feet quickly
Here are my tips for preparing for autumn/winter:
n Extreme weather events: High winds, heavy rainfall and freezing temperatures cause serious disruption Make sure you ’ re covered for extreme weather and consider business interruption insurance to protect against any loss of income or profit while your business is out of action
n Public liability for seasonal activities: A slip on an icy path or an accident during a guided walk can potentially lead to costly legal claims If you re hosting events or outdoor experiences, public liability insurance is essential Check that your policy accurately reflects the nature of the activity
n Get the right cover: One of the biggest risks businesses face is underinsurance – having insufficient cover without realising it This often happens when policies aren t updated after changes to the business Protect yourself by getting a professional valuation based on current rebuild costs and reviewing your insurance regularly with your broker n Cybersecurity and digital protection: With growing reliance on online bookings and digital payments, cyber insurance needs to be on the agenda, whatever the size of your business Your policy should cover the impact of a breach including disruption, recovery costs and liability
i To find out more about finding the right insurance for your business, contact Kara at kjenkinson@hhib co uk or call 01228 406290 www.hhinsurancebrokers
Cyber security: Is your business vulnerable?
Expert view
Cyber Security Solutions Manager at Armstrong Watson, REBECCA WILSON (pictured), says businesses now face increasingly sophisticated cyber security threats driven by technological advances, but there are many who still believe ‘it won’t happen to us’.
Armstrong Watson s latest Family, Privately-Owned and OwnerManaged Business Survey revealed that 33% of hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses are not concerned about the threat of a cyber attack, believing their business is unlikely to be targeted This is a dangerous misconception
Cyber criminals are increasingly focusing on smaller organisations, which often lack the robust defences and resources of larger enterprises
The survey also found 6% of businesses in the sector are not concerned about cyber threats because they believe they have the necessary protection in place; however this complacency could also be costly
The Inter Continental Hotel Group cyber attack that saw customer credit card information breached cost over $1 5million, while smaller firms have faced losses in the tens or hundreds of thousands, often enough to threaten their survival
Best security practice recommends an independent assessment of your existing IT security, highlighting any potential weaknesses or areas where your defences could be improved Armstrong Watson supports businesses to conduct regular cyber risk assessments, anticipate evolving cyber threats, budget strategically and implement tailored, cost-effective cyber security solutions that prevent costly surprises and reduce the need for reactive crisis management
The cost of protection is far outweighed by the potential impact of an attack and offers significant peace of mind If you ’ ve not yet taken steps to have an independent assessment of your cyber security, now is the time
i A full survey report will soon be available to download Please get in touch for further support on 01768 222030 or email: help@armstrongwatson co uk
Mulberr y Leisure has years of experience in providing individually tailored financial solutions for a diverse range of businesses right across the hospitality sector We are a Cumbrian based family business with an office in Bur ton in Kendal & we cover Cumbria, the Yorkshire Dales & Southern Scotland
Our exper tise in this sector has enabled us to assist many leading Lake District hotels, restaurants and cafés in obtaining asset finance to fund their full interior and kitchen refurbishments. Whether you are looking to acquire a new oven or refrigeration unit, bespoke furniture, or some CCTV or computer equipment, Mulberr y Leisure is here to help you. We also assist bakeries, ice cream manufacturers, micro brewers, beauty salons and health and fitness centres The list is endless!
Examples of assets we have financed:
• • Hotel & restaurant furnishings, fixtures & fittings
• Cookers, grills & ice makers
• Dish & bottle washers
• Refrigeration & counter display units
• • Telephone & alarm systems
• • CCTV, security & IT equipment
• • Gym & spa equipment
• • Marquees and play equipment
• • Play equipment
• • Coffee machines
• • Cars, vans & minibuses
• • Biomass boilers, solar panels, LED lighting
Funding to purchase the above assets can be arranged over a 2-5 year period to enhance your cashflow We have great business relationships with many of the leading UK and European Finance Companies that specialise in the hotel and leisure sector This means we can arrange your finance with the minimum of fuss, leaving you to concentrate fully on the running of your business.
Contact Cour tney Langhorne at Mulberr y Asset Finance for your Leisure Financing Solutions! Tel: 07949 824255 Email: cour tney@mulberr yasset finance co uk www.mulberr yasset finance.co.uk