Invest in Eden

16/03/2026

Are you an accommodation operator, TIC or business that offers visitor information? If so, why not attend FREE Visit Eden Westmorland & Furness Leaflet Swap & Networking event tomorrow - Tuesday 17 March, 1pm to 3pm (drop in event) at Hutton in the Forest

It's a great opportunity to come and speak to representatives from local Attractions, activity and transport providers to find out what’s new for the season and to collect some leaflets for the upcoming season too! There will also be the opportunity for a tour of Hutton in the Forest Historic House before it opens for the season and refreshments are provided.

Find out more and who's attending > https://orlo.uk/bwAeu

11/03/2026

📢 Closing tomorrow!

Are you a business looking to reduce your carbon footprint, cut costs, and future‑proof?

Applications are closing soon for round 2 of our Greening Businesses Scheme.

Successful applicants will get practical, expert guidance through our partnership with CBEN and be supported to:

🌱 Better understand and reduce their carbon emissions
📉 Cut costs related to their operations and activities

The scheme is open to small and medium (SME) businesses of all sectors as long as it's based in Westmorland and Furness.

🔗 Guidance and application form available on our website: https://www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/your-environment/climate-change-and-natural-environment

26/02/2026

Find out more about High Street Rental Auctions and take part in the survey https://www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/news/2026/new-high-street-powers-have-your-say-and-help-your-council

Westmorland and Furness Council is planning to use new powers from government to get unused buildings back into productive use, bringing energy, enterprise, and footfall back to our town centres.

High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) allow councils to step in and auction leases on long-term vacant commercial properties.

The council is proposing designated areas of Barrow, Kendal, Penrith and Ulverston for a pilot scheme for HSRAs, based on their current and historic vacancy rates and potential to support thriving and vibrant town centres.

HSRAs require landlords to rent out persistently vacant commercial properties to new tenants such as local businesses or community groups. They were introduced in December 2024 as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. Premises are eligible for a High Street Rental Auction where it has been unoccupied continuously for 12 months, or for at least 366 days (non-continuously) within a 24-month period.

HSRA only enables the council to assign a lease on behalf of the landlord if no action is taken. The landlord remains the legal owner of the property and landlords can still let their properties voluntarily.

A consultation is asking anybody with an interest in the pilot project for their views on the areas proposed for Westmorland and Furness’s HSRA designation, potential benefits or concerns and how the council can best support property owners and local businesses, social enterprises, cultural groups and organisations how may want a presence on our high streets.

Read the full stoy in the news section on our website.

25/02/2026

Cumbria Coastal Route Workshop - Barrow Town Hall Thursday 5 March, 10am to 12.30pm. The workshop will be hosted jointly by Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumbria Tourism.

Developing the Cumbria Coastal Route into a multi-user sustainable, active travel route linking walking, cycling, train travel, horse riding, camping and other outdoor activities, is a key action in the county’s Destination Management Plan. The aim is to highlight the coast’s distinctive character, attract new visitors and boost year-round footfall for local communities.

Discover more at this workshop and find out how you can get involved. Let's work together to really put Cumbria's Coast on the map!

Book online at:

Calling all retailers, attractions and hospitality businesses in the Barrow area including the Westmorland & Furness stretch of the Cumbria...

17/02/2026

Do you run an attraction or provide activities or transport or run an organisation, project or scheme of interest to local accommodation providers? Then sign up to take a table at the FREE Westmorland and Furness Leaflet Swap and Networking event on Tuesday 17th March 2026, 1pm to 3pm (drop in event) at Hutton in the Forest Limited spaces available!

It's the ideal opportunity to showcase your latest promotional literature and special offers. It’s also an ideal chance to talk to other local tourism businesses. There will also be the opportunity for a tour of Hutton in the Forest Historic House before it opens for the season.

If you are an accommodation operator - save the date!

https://orlo.uk/C7AE7

12/02/2026

☕ FREE Business Breakfasts are back for 2026!

Join us for the first breakfast of the year on Friday 27th February at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow-in-Furness & South Lakes. Open to all town centre businesses and staff, it’s a great chance to grab a free breakfast bun and tea or coffee while having an informal chat with the BID team.

📣 February’s focus: how we can help advertise and promote your business. Come along to hear about the range of ways we can help promote your business and ask us any questions - we’re here to help.

📅 Friday 27th February
🕑 7:30am-9:30am (drop in anytime)
📍 Holiday Inn, Market Street

👉 Register here so we can make sure we have breakfast for everyone!
https://forms.gle/4jBWSQscKAPEogaa6

12/02/2026

12/02/2026

The Greening Businesses Scheme was launched to support businesses in the Westmorland and Furness area to: understand and reduce their carbon emissions, cut costs related to their operations and activities.

We're working with the Cumbria Business Environment Network to provide free carbon assessments, for successful applicants. Before applying, please read our guidance on the application process and conditions of our Greening Business Scheme.

Applications close on 25 February 2026. If you have any questions about the project or applying to the scheme, please email us at [email protected].

12/02/2026

The Grasmere to Dunmail Raise section will see a new cycle track and footway along parts of the A591, as well as improved surfaces and signage on rural roads north of Grasmere village.
Within the village itself, "shared spaces" – carefully designed to fit with the character of the area – will aim to make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians. A consultation on the proposals launched on Monday 9 February, and feedback from the consultation will help shape the emerging designs.
More information on the initial designs, including illustrative maps and images, will be included alongside the online consultation questionnaire at:

This site will help you find, share and participate in consultations that interest you.

11/02/2026

Where is this? We'll give you a clue – it is taken at one of the unsung gems of the Furness coast, an island steeped in history and adventure.
In the modern day, businesses and attractions are being urged to find out more and get involved with the Cumbria Coastal Route (CCR), a developing long-distance route celebrating the area’s landscape, communities and heritage.
Free workshops have been arranged to give retailers, attractions and hospitality businesses along the coast the chance to get involved, share ideas and find out how they can benefit from being part of the CCR journey and find out some of the great opportunities available through the project.
The aim of the project is to highlight the coast’s distinctive character, attract new visitors and boost year-round footfall for local communities.
The workshops will take place at Holker Hall on Tuesday 17 February from 10am until 12.30pm, and Barrow Town Hall on Thursday 5 March from 10am to 12.30pm. The events will be hosted jointly by Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumbria Tourism, with Team Barrow supporting the Barrow workshop.
Go to our website for the full story and links to book on the free workshops.

09/02/2026

Coast is clear for economy to benefit from new long-distance route.

Businesses and attractions are being urged to find out more and get involved with the Cumbria Coastal Route (CCR), a developing long-distance route celebrating the area’s landscape, communities and heritage.

Free workshops have been arranged to give retailers, attractions and hospitality businesses along the coast the chance to get involved, share ideas and find out how they can benefit from being part of the CCR journey and find out some of the great opportunities available through the project.

https://orlo.uk/813uZ