Over the past year, Cumbria’s farming community has continued to navigate a complex and evolving landscape. Since I last wrote in August 2025, the sector has faced intensified financial pressures, regulatory shifts, and climate-related challenges — yet has also demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation. One of the most pressing issues remains the accelerated phase-out of … Continued
A food-loving couple who poured everything they had into their dream of opening a sourdough pizzeria are celebrating their most successful period yet. Partners Lucas Hogg and Caroline Davis have long been famed for their freshly baked produce through their business, Peace and Loaf. But more recently, it’s their sourdough pizzas that have had crowds … Continued
A FAMILY dairy whose flagship cheese is sold and served in the UK’s most exclusive restaurants, hotels and department stores has reached a major milestone. Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese – which can be found on deli counters in Harrods and Fortnum & Mason – is celebrating 40 years of partnership with the revered Neal’s Yard … Continued
A yoga and Pilates instructor who took a calculated risk by opening a high-end studio in the heart of a popular spa town has marked a special anniversary with a major announcement. Enterprise Answers client, Ebru Evrim, started her fitness journey with six mats in a village hall and is now the proud owner of … Continued
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
