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Latest News for Businesses in Cumberland – January 2026
In This Newsletter
- Cumbria to host two stages of men’s 2027 Tour de France
- Cleator Moor Town Deal project completed
- Putting health and wellbeing at the heart of Cumberland leisure
- Operator opportunity for the Old Bank, Millom
- Funding support to improve King Street, Whitehaven
- Next phase of Carlisle city centre regeneration
- Inspiring Food & Drink on the Cumbria Coastal Route
- Cumbria Tourism Awards 2026
- Renters’ Rights changes event
- £40 million flood alleviation scheme for Millom and Haverigg
- Cumberland Go bus expansion
- English Tourism Week
- Connecting Cumbria digital strategy
- Tourism business website registrations
- Cumberland Food and Drink
- Enterprising Cumbria
- Cumbria Chamber of Commerce
- Cumbria Business Growth Hub
Cumbria to Host Two Stages of Men’s 2027 Tour de France
A Stage One finish in Carlisle and a Stage Two start in Keswick have been confirmed for the 2027 Tour de France.
The race will begin in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, finishing in Carlisle the same day. Stage Two will depart from Keswick on Saturday 3 July 2027 and travel through the Lake District and Lancashire to Liverpool.
The route was revealed in January 2026 during a nationwide illumination event highlighting host towns including Carlisle and Keswick.
Cleator Moor Town Deal Project Completed
The refurbished Phoenix Enterprise Centre Phase 3 officially launched in December 2025, delivering modern accessible workspace for local organisations.
Funded through the £22.5 million Cleator Moor Town Deal, the centre is now supporting business growth with strong demand already filling much of the space.
Putting Health and Wellbeing at the Heart of Cumberland Leisure
A new 10-year leisure contract beginning April 2026 has been awarded to Sports & Leisure Management Ltd trading as Everyone Active.
Facilities included span Workington, Maryport, Cockermouth, Keswick, Whitehaven, Cleator Moor and Millom, delivering gyms, sports and swimming facilities across West Cumberland.
Operator Opportunity for the Old Bank, Millom
A lease operator is being sought for the refurbished Old Bank building at Market Square.
The project is part of the Millom Town Deal programme and will provide space for food and drink businesses, offices, enterprise units and community activities.
Funding Support to Improve King Street, Whitehaven
New Building Improvement Grants will help bring vacant and dilapidated properties back into use.
Occupied properties may receive up to £5,000, while vacant premises may receive up to £15,000 for refurbishment works.
Carlisle City Centre Regeneration – Next Phase Underway
Further regeneration works are beginning across Devonshire Street, Greenmarket and Market Square as part of the Carlisle Station Gateway and Southern Gateway projects.
Inspiring Food & Drink on the Cumbria Coastal Route
An event for visitor economy businesses will take place in February 2026 to showcase how local food and heritage can drive tourism and economic growth.
Cumbria Tourism Awards 2026
Entries are open across 17 categories celebrating tourism and hospitality excellence.
Businesses can enter free of charge, with submissions closing on 20 February 2026.
Upcoming Event – Changes to Renters’ Rights
Sessions in March 2026 will outline major reforms including the end of no-fault evictions, limits on rent increases, tenant rights to pets and stronger enforcement powers.
£40 Million Flood Alleviation Scheme for Millom and Haverigg
Cumberland Council has secured £40 million in funding for a major flood risk management scheme.
The project will significantly reduce flooding risk for homes, businesses and infrastructure while supporting long-term regeneration.
Cumberland Go Bus Network Expansion
New transport services now connect Carlisle, Whitehaven, Cockermouth, Millom, Barrow and surrounding areas.
The expansion improves access to hospitals, employment and tourist destinations.
English Tourism Week 2026
Taking place from 13 to 22 March 2026, celebrating the economic and cultural impact of English tourism.
Connecting Cumbria Digital Infrastructure Strategy 2026–2030
A new strategy has launched to improve broadband, mobile coverage and digital investment across Cumbria.
Case Study – Lyris for Women
A Carlisle-based organisation using digital platforms to support women’s wellbeing through hybrid online and in-person choir sessions.
Tourism Business Website Registrations
Businesses can now register for free on new Discover Carlisle and Western Lake District & Coast promotional platforms.
Cumberland Food and Drink
Local food businesses are encouraged to share menus, stories, recipes and promotions to boost regional visibility.
Enterprising Cumbria
Supporting economic growth with business events and development programmes.
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce
Offering training, networking and business support opportunities across the region.
Cumbria Business Growth Hub – Employer Wage Subsidy
Eligible small businesses can receive up to £3,000 towards wages and training when recruiting new staff, with applications open until March 2026.
