Tourism is a major part of Cumbria's economy supporting almost 75,000 jobs and worth £4.6 billion.

And yet there are challenges.

Cumbria Tourism, the organisation which represents over 4,500 tourism businesses, says visitor numbers are still below those recorded before the pandemic.

While initial soundings from the sector this summer show the fine weather has helped attract visitors back to Cumbria, final figures won’t be known until the autumn.

For the newly appointed chair of Cumbria Tourism a busy time in office looks inevitable.

Mark Holroyd has worked in tourism in a wide range of roles and is the head of recreation and communications for Forestry England in the north.

He’s been talking to Business Crack’s Nigel Thompson:

The children’s book ‘Little Coffee Cup and the Big Surprise’ is the debut story from Cumbrian author and sustainability advocate Hayley Slack and follows the tale of Little Coffee Cup.

Not only is the book written to spark conversations about waste and reuse but it’s made from recycled coffee cups by Burneside-based paper and packaging manufacturer, James Cropper.

Each physical book is made from 13 recycled coffee cups, collected from across the UK and beyond.

“Since January we’ve received 757 tonnes - that’s around 64 million coffee cups - which have been diverted from landfill,” Rob Tilsley Croppers’ fibre specialist told Business Crack as he showed me around the Burneside factory.

In this podcast we'll hear from author, designer and manufacturer and their hopes that this Cumbrian collaboration could be just the start of a bigger success story.

https://littlecoffeecup.com/products/little-coffee-cup-book

https://paperandpackaging.jamescropper.com/capabilities/fibreblend/

Is it possible to thrive in the world of animation when you're base is in Cumbria?

For Lou Kneath, the co-founder and animator of Carlisle-based Plus 3K , the answer is a resounding 'yes.'

The former University of Cumbria student and her team are flying high when it comes to commissions with previous work recognised with an international award.But with Artificial Intelligence and the need to remain visible vital in a competitive market, what is the key to success?

Tenacity, reputation and a flying pig are among her top tips as she told Business Crack's Nigel Thompson for this edition of the podcast recorded in the company's Carlisle studio.

Northern Lights is produced and presented by Nigel Thompson.

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As the weather finally heats up welcome to June's Northern Lights podcast!

Once again we've travelled across Cumbria to bring you stories directly from some of the county's business community.

In this edition we've visited Westlakes Science Park to meet Kurt Canfield, the Chief Executive Officer of defence and nuclear specialists Delkia.

Hear how, in just a few years, the company has grown, his hopes for the future and why his family are helping bring back a much-loved Cumbrian brand.

We'll also take you underground to hear how slate from Honister is in demand and see the careful process of extracting it.

And we'll get to know the new owners of Hayes Garden Centre now running the site in Ambleside where a garden centre

Northern Lights is produced and presented by Nigel Thompson.

Business Crack is produced by Barrnon Media.

To share your news and to hear about sponsorship opportunities get in touch, [email protected]

In a special edition of Northern Lights, Business Crack's Nigel Thompson is joined by a host of experts from all corners of Cumbria to assess what the government's Spending Review means for Cumbria.

From new nuclear power stations and investment in defence to the impact on tourism and transport, we gain an insight from four people in the know:

• Dianne Richardson, the chief executive of Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster
• Suzanne Caldwell, the chief executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce
• Jayne Moorby, head of marketing at Oxley Developments
• Peter Fleming, business consultant

We discuss news that Moorside could become home to a new small modular reactor, hear calls for SME's to benefit from investment in defence, why bus fares boost tourism (and help those who work in the sector) and look ahead to changes that may well mean Cumbria can look forward to getting a greater share of government money.

In this edition we're joined by Suzanne Caldwell, the Managing Director of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce.

Hear her take on Trumps tariffs, why collaboration is key in an area like Cumbria and how the chamber is working to bring the county's business community together.

We'll also take you to Workington to hear how the port is undergoing big changes.

And how cutting edge laboratory facilities around Morecambe Bay could be offered to entrepreneurs looking to make their technological breakthrough.

This edition is kindly sponsored by Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster.

Northern Lights is produced and presented by Nigel Thompson.

Business Crack is produced by Barrnon Media.

For news and sponsorship opportunities get in touch with us: [email protected]

Quality news and interviews from Cumbria’s business community.

We’re out across the county to bring you a true taste of what’s happening and gather opinions from those in the know.

In our first edition Dianne Richardson, the  CEO of Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC), joins Business Crack's Nigel Thompson.

We discuss the Chancellor's Spring Statement, consider Barrow port's new Royal name, hear from the award-winning (and fiercely Cumberland-based!) tailor and taste the innovative Lake District take on a Scottish staple.

Get the Crack from Cumbria’s first choice for business news!

Pic: J Wild

Think you know Cumbria's business community?

Think again!

It's been months in the making but in spring 2025 we're ready to share a new podcast that will shine a light on Cumbria's businesses, big and small.

Business Crack already brings you stories from across the county and now you can hear directly from those making the news. With a guest joining us on each edition too, it's a regular business briefing for you.

Subscribe now, wherever you get your podcasts!

Picture: Courtesy of J Wild