Cumbria’s farming community, often referred to as the backbone of the region’s rural economy and cultural heritage, continues to experience challenging periods of profound transition and uncertainty. Since the summer edition, one of the most pressing challenges has come from the climate. Whilst an enjoyable summer for most people in terms of the prolonged dry, … Continued
NOT-for-profit lender, Enterprise Answers – which has brokered more than 500 deals to help businesses grow and flourish – has marked its 20th anniversary year with a major funding milestone. Our organisation, which is based in Penrith and operates across Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire, recently crossed the £20 million in loans threshold. We are marking … Continued
Alternative business lender Enterprise Answers has gone live as a delivery partner for the new Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) in the North of England. Enterprise Answers will deliver loans from £25,001 to £100,000 via the government-backed Scheme to support the growth and recovery of businesses that have been impacted by Covid-19. The not-for-profit lender has delivered its … Continued
When car enthusiast, Gary Winfield took a leap of faith with a new start-up aged 50, he could not have predicted the journey that would unfold. Many entrepreneurs begin their journeys at a young age by taking opportunities that come their way and following a passion. This was certainly the case for Gary Winfield who … Continued
A reflection of the past sixteen years from Chief Executive, Grahame Latus “You guys won’t last twelve months doing what you’re doing”, a statement I keep reminding myself of as each anniversary passes from when we opened our doors to business on 1st March 2005, some sixteen years ago. Taking the telephone call less than … Continued
Not-for-profit lender, Enterprise Answers reflect on the unique challenges and achievements of 2020 for businesses in the North West. During a year which has brought about so many uncertainties and difficulties, it was important for us to recognise and celebrate the achievements and successes we have been a part of, no matter how big or … Continued
Ten years ago, Bruce Brown and Luke Jackson teamed up to run a coffee lounge in Carlisle. Back then, they could never have foreseen the whirlwind journey this venture would take them on. When the previous owners relocated to London, the two entrepreneurs took over the reins of the Foxes Café in Carlisle, fuelled with … Continued
Located in East Lancashire, heartland of the Industrial Revolution lies a business that is home to generations of skilled artisan craftspeople. They are creators of architectural terracotta and faience (glazed terracotta) products, that first became popular after the First World War. During the last century, this specialist workforce has played a major part in the … Continued
One of the UK’s best loved artisan cheesemakers, Mrs Kirkham’s has revealed the reality of surviving the COVID-19 lockdown and how securing a government backed loan from a local independent lender, Enterprise Answers allowed the business to keep running. Managing Director, Graham Kirkham took over the running of the business from his mother fifteen years … Continued
Glasses were raised earlier this month when Plau, a historic family-owned pub in Preston won the ‘Conversion Award’ at CAMRA’s prestigious Pub Design Awards. The awards, which were celebrated in a virtual pub on 7th May, are held annually in conjunction with Historic England and celebrate exceptional pubs across the country that have undergone conversion … Continued
