Business Toolbox Cumbria

03/09/2026

Every now and then I really have to focus on keeping my perspective. When I struggle I look at this pic on my wall of my gorgeous dog Harris and one of my fave photography places Haig Pit…..

I took this when balance was out of whack. This always makes me recalibrate. That and a good natter round the kitchen table with the family x

02/09/2026

Anyone else love receiving a handwritten note?

In a digital world, receiving a handwritten thank-you card is such a pleasure. It somehow speaks so much of time, thought, and care.

I recently mentored a fantastic student on the Positive Enterprise Scheme. While she ultimately decided to step back from her hobby business to focus on her grades for medical school, I could not admire her perseverance more.

Supporting her through that decision (and working closely with wonderful Rhianna of CforLP) was a reminder of what mentoring is all about: putting their future first, not ours. I had to step away from what I initially felt and look at the bigger picture.

Mentoring is an absolute privilege, and I think I’m a bit of a stuck record about volunteering like this, but I do believe we learn and gain something new every single time.

So proud of her maturity, and I know she’s going to make a wonderful doctor!

What a great scheme Positive Enterprise is Cumbria Community Foundation! You asked if I’d do it again in your card Rhianna - the answer is yes!

31/07/2026

Who says organisation charts have to be boring? Dianne, CEO of BECBC, had been inspired by the Erie Railroad chart, and it made her think about how she would like the organisation to be represented visually.

Most plans show who is "above" whom. This one for shows how everyone works together.

By focusing on flow and energy rather than just reporting lines, we created a map of the organisation’s energy and connectedness.

I loved bringing this brief to life. It’s not just a chart; it’s a statement of culture. Could your company benefit from a more "human" way to visualise your team? Here anytime for a chat about ideas.

18/05/2026

When Dianne at BECBC approached me about a fresh angle for showing the structure of BECBC, she made it clear that she didn't want boxes and lines. She wanted to feel flow and energy.

Inspired by the historic, organic character of the Erie Railroad plan, we moved away from rigid hierarchy and toward a visual that represents how a business community actually feels: connected, agile, and full of life.

It was a special project that challenged me to move away from the usual way of seeing a company. Loved working on it, and also seeing the team at BECBC evolve.

If your team structure feels more like a living powerhouse than a ladder, I'd love to have a conversation.

26/03/2026

I was so pleased to be asked to mentor Charlotte as part of the Positive Enterprise programme.

Charlotte has a fantastic vision for a Cumbrian craft marketplace, and her creativity is inspiring! I’m looking forward to helping her move forward from idea to launch over the next few months.

We had our first session yesterday, and broke steps down into manageable chunks as she has mocks coming up. I could offer a bit of advice on where not to go down creative rabbit holes before getting financial and business plan ducks in a row……… because I have been there and got the t-shirt in the past!

That's part of the joy of mentoring - you can feel you make a really tangible contribution, and also gain so much from seeing a business through fresh eyes. Charlotte will go far, and I am thrilled to be involved in supporting her on this programme. And I am benefiting from reviewing my own business as we go along! Win-win!!

Now writing up notes, juggling laptop and crazy Springer, and thinking that this is going to be a great project to be a part of. Always love anything that Centre for Leadership Performance are involved in.

Positive Enterprise was created by Cumbria Community Foundation in partnership with the Centre for Leadership Performance Cumbria, and is funded by Sellafield Ltd, Thomas Graham & Sons Ltd, the Printers Inc Social Mobility Fund and a private donor.

Centre for Leadership Performance Cumbria Community Foundation

30/01/2026

What a joy to be asked back to St Benedict's Catholic High School today to speak at the World of Work end-of-day assembly.

The icing on the cake was sharing the stage with Gerard Richardson of Richardsons - my friend and unwitting mentor! I often go into his shop to "buy things," but really, I’m just there to steal his advice 😂 He gave a cracking chat about his varied career, and despite knowing him for over a decade, I still learned something new.

I had to laugh at this photo - you may recognise Fraser on the screen in the background. It looks like he's watching over Gerard but I suspect he’s actually just scouting the room for his bestie Chester (Dianne's dog).

I hope we both did a bit to inspire the next generation, and remind them that career paths can be wiggly.

Thank you to the pupils who listened so well to us both. Sincere gratitude to the many business friends who shared wisdom for my talk, and thank you to the school for having us.

09/12/2025

Outrageously late to the party, but still smiling about the incredible Awards!

It was inspiring to see a room full of people genuinely celebrating each other. What a special BECBC family. Huge congratulations to Zoe Billings (shortlisted for Business Person of the Year) and to the awesome Vicky Brown on her win!

John Grainger’s award to Emma-Jayne brought a tear to my eye, and the sheer joy when Forth announced they surpassed their £25K target was tangible in the room - wonderful!

I'm incredibly proud to have created the chocolate-themed branding in honour of John, and I thoroughly enjoyed bringing Dianne's ideas to life. Congratulations to all - too many to mention, but what an amazing bucket load of talent we have here in Cumbria! Sohere's to next year!

09/08/2025

Not all heroes wear capes as the saying goes. Today Dianne Richardson and Connor Fish of Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster are leaping out of a plane (aka skydiving) to raise vital funds for Great North Air Ambulance Service . Just wanted to wish them the very best of luck AND hope that they come away having had the most amazing experience. I've heard it's a fabulous adventure, and you are both braver than I am.
Fundraising links in case anyone has any ££ to spare for an incredible cause:
Dianne: https://bit.ly/41tH4PG
Connor: https://bit.ly/47sJXnA

😍

Help Dianne Richardson raise money to support Great North Air Ambulance Service

08/08/2025

Loved being a small part of the amazing “Turncoat” fundraiser for the charity of the year at Muncaster Castle. A real privilege to create the designs for promotion.

An incredible night for a great cause! Thank you to everyone who made it happen. And huge appreciation to Emma-Jayne and Mary who came up with the idea - and ensured the evening sparkled from beginning to end The detail and love that you put in was extraordinary. There have been a lot of superlatives uttered - and all I can say to the team I was in is Strawberry Shields Forever 😂
Here’s to 2026 🤭 Please may it happen 💕

06/08/2025

Just a little reminder that there are still a few hours before the 5pm deadline to get your nominations in for the fabulous Awards 2025.
I loved creating the design for the awards templates and get a wee buzz every time I see them. Got even more of a buzz nominating fabulous people for their contributions.... A great chance to spread a little positivity.

https://bit.ly/3UgJAov