Useful links and Contacts

This section will outline the services available to businesses in the Copeland area. If you know of a service that should be included, then do get in touch via email to: crobertson@copelandbc.gov.uk

• Business Link North West: Practical business advice and information.
  Visit: www.businesslinknw.gov.uk or call 0845 0066 888
   
• Cumbria Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber is the voice of business in Cumbria, and membership offers a wealth of business advice and networking opportunities.
  Visit: www.cumbriachamber.com or call 0845 22 600 40
   
• Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency: CREA exists to regenerate and strengthen the rural economy creating sustainable employment.
  Visit www.crea.co.uk  or call 01768 891555
   
• The Employment Support Project: Aims to provide advice and guidance for those trying to find work in the Whitehaven area. Support includes skills training, the funding of placements, and administration of a redundancy fund.
  Visit: www.whitehavenesp.org.uk or call 01946 591004
   
• In Biz:  Provides advice, guidance and practical support for anyone wishing to set up a business in Copeland including those on benefits or currently unemployed.
  Visit: www.inbiz.co.uk or call 01946 696000.
   
• Invest in Cumbria: Encourages inward investment into Cumbria. Provides a website and other promotional information on Cumbria as a business location.
  Visit: www.cumbria-investment.co.uk
    
• Nuclear Issues: The West Cumbria Supply Chain is a support services for businesses to maximise the new opportunities provided by nuclear decommissioning in this area. Further information from the West Cumbria Development Agency on 01946 65656
   
• Ways into Self Employment:  If you want to turn your big idea into a successful business
  View: Ways into Self Employment Scheme
   
• West Cumbria Development Agency: The WCDA aims to help create jobs in Copeland by helping new businesses to start and grow, assisting local companies to expand and encouraging inward investment into Copeland.
  Visit: www.wcda.co.uk or call 01900 65656
   
• West Lakes Renaissance: The urban regeneration company for West Cumbria and Furness. They coordinate regeneration activity in this area and work with others to attract investment.
  Visit: www.westlakesrenaissance.co.uk  or call 01946 693241
   
• Western Lake District Tourism Partnership: Promoting tourism in the Western Lake District.
  Visit: www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk  or call 01900 818741.

The following information and services are available at: www.copeland.gov.uk

• Building Control:  The Building Control section deals primarily with the enforcement of building control regulations.
  They also deal with dangerous structures, controlling demolitions, street naming and numbering.
  For further information, call: 01946 598409
   
• Business Awards:
  The Copeland Pride Awards are annual awards to recognise business excellence and good customer service.
   
• .Business Rates: Business rates are collected by the Council. Further information on payment methods, rateable values, small business rate relief and rate relief for businesses in rural areas is available by calling 01946 598356.
   
• Environmental Health: The Environmental Health Section provide a range of support and enforcement services,
  including:
  • Health and safety enquiries regarding retail businesses and offices should be made to the Health and Safety Team by calling 01946 598339.
  • Enquiries regarding manufacturing businesses should be made to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) by calling 01228 634100
  • Food businesses need to register with the Copeland Borough Council Food Team by calling 01946 598347.
     
• Licensing:
  Certain businesses, such as pubs, clubs and late-night take-aways require a premises licence.
  Forms can be downloaded from the Copeland BC website or by calling 01946 598517
   
• Network Centres:
  Copeland Borough Council provides support to operate business network centres in:
  • Millom: Paul Stewart on 01229 772300
  • Cleator Moor: Sarah Mitchell on 01946 816707
  • Egremont: Simon Walker on 01946 825546
     
• Waste Services: The Council operates a trade waste collection service. All businesses are required to have such a contract and the Council can offer a competitive price for this services. Find out more by calling 0845 054 8600.

If you know, or supply, any business support service you feel we should include, then please let us know via email to: crobertson@copelandbc.gov.uk or the contact information given at the foot of the page.