In 2013 – 14 we joined with University of Cumbria and Fiona Reed Associates to help a group of Cumbrian businesses to develop new opportunities.
Cumbria is one of three NW universities running an ERDF-funded Knowledge Action Network programme to support small businesses to grow. In Cumbria, the focus of the programme is on businesses already in or able to grow into the low carbon sector. We provided individual business coaching, group workshops and technical support specific to the needs of the companies.
The participants are a fascinating group of people, all with their own specialist knowledge and skills, but with often similar issues within their businesses. They range from engineers, architects, builders and equipment installers to ecologists and hydrologists. We have been providing market intelligence, insight into market demands on suppliers and useful contacts within the low carbon and renewable energy sector. We also provided advice on energy and materials use within the business and a realistic view on opportunities for renewable energy.
WOW! Thank you so much for this Louise. Just to see it all on one doc – both intense and motivates me further yet refreshing in some way.
I’ve just printed and will work through it at home and make some notes / an action plan.
It was good to go through the report and see what you had written about the different areas that we had discussed. It has put them into perspective for me in manageable chunks.
I’ve already started on my Action Plan and will tackle it further this week.
Having the benefit of your perspective has been enormously helpful so thank you. Director, Visitor Attraction Services Provider
I thought you picked things up really quickly. The exercise was really good for me as I sometimes wonder if we are pulling in different directions.
Director of a family-run firm
I really found your input super useful and positive. Thank you lots.
Sole-trader, provider of bespoke business admin & finance systems
Thank you, thank you, thank you Louise. Much more for me this morning than just an hour of business support.
Woman-led enterprise (much discussion of balancing it all)