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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 delinked payments, which replaced the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). In 2025, payments exceeding £30,000 were eliminated, and those below that threshold were slashed by 76%, capping support at just £7,200. This dramatic reduction has forced farmers to reassess their cash flow strategies and explore alternative income sources, such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). However, delays and uncertainty around the rollout of environmental schemes have left many farmers in limbo.

Compounding these financial strains are impending changes to Inheritance Tax reliefs, set to take effect in April 2026. These reforms could significantly impact succession planning, with many family-run farms facing increased tax liabilities. A recent survey revealed that while 55% of Cumbrian farms intend to pass their business to the next generation, a concerning number have yet to formalize their plans.

Climate change has also made its mark. The unusually dry summer of 2025 led to poor harvests and reduced crop yields, particularly affecting arable farmers. With limited irrigation infrastructure, Cumbria’s farmers are increasingly vulnerable to weather extremes, underscoring the need for adaptive strategies and diversified income streams.

Yet amid these challenges, there are reasons for optimism. Cumbria has emerged as a national leader in rural digital transformation, with 99% of premises now enjoying superfast broadband and gigabit access thanks to strategic investment and public-private partnerships. This connectivity is enabling farmers to adopt precision agriculture technologies, streamline operations, and access new markets.

The region is also positioning itself as a hub for AgriTech innovation, with Cumbria’s Economic Strategy 2025–2045 highlighting opportunities in plant sciences, robotics, and clean energy. These developments promise to create new jobs, attract investment, and enhance the sustainability of the farming sector.

In this dynamic environment, Enterprise Answers continues to play a pivotal role in supporting Cumbria’s farmers. As a local, not-for-profit lender based in Penrith, Enterprise Answers offers flexible finance solutions tailored to the unique needs of rural businesses. Their face-to-face approach and understanding of the sector have made them a trusted partner, especially for tenant farmers who often struggle to access traditional funding due to limited security.

Recent case studies highlight their impact: one tenant farmer secured funding to relocate from South Yorkshire to Eden, while another used a loan to purchase in-going stock for a new tenancy in Northumberland. Enterprise Answers is also an accredited lender under the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme, allowing them to support marginal propositions and unlock opportunities for farmers lacking conventional collateral.

Their commitment to Cumbria’s agricultural community was further demonstrated through their sponsorship of the 2025 Cumbria Farmer Awards, where they joined other key stakeholders in celebrating farming excellence. The event showcased the sector’s resilience, innovation, and community spirit — from young farmers and trailblazing women in agriculture to sustainable enterprises and local food producers.

As Cumbria’s farmers look ahead to 2026, the road remains uncertain. But with strategic support, local investment, and a growing recognition of the sector’s importance to food security and environmental stewardship, there is hope. Enterprise Answers stands ready to help farmers not only weather the storm but build a future rooted in resilience, innovation, and pride.

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 flocking to their Barrow base – particularly since the February re-opening of their dedicated dine-in pizzeria. 

With sales rocketing by 450 per cent since the early days – when Enterprise Answers was a key part of their growth – it is now a case of grab a slice while you can for eager fans of the couple’s creations.

Caroline said: “We had pennies left by the time we’d invested in the work needed to bring our dream to life – but we were prepared to take a risk for something we passionately believed in. 

“We’ve always worked with real bread and good ingredients – no chemicals – and we’re lucky now to have some brilliant Italian suppliers. A lot of our pizza ingredients come directly from Italian markets: mozzarella and beautiful fresh burrata arrive every week. 

“We’ve been blown away by the level of support we’ve had from both the local community and people coming from much further afield. As proud Barrovians, it feels great to have created something like this in the town we love.” 

Peace and Loaf has been in business for more than ten years, starting as a bread stall on Barrow Market. 

Six years ago, they moved to a unit at the Trinity Enterprise Centre in Ironworks Road, Barrow, and – aided by a loan from not-for-profit business lender Enterprise Answers – bought their first wood-fired pizza oven. 

Covid-19 hit the business hard, but takeaway pizzas and that trusty oven kept them afloat – and helped spread the word. 

After the pandemic, momentum grew to the point that in 2023 they made a bold move – leaving their famous breads behind to focus solely on pizza. 

In their early collection days, with a Saturday-only dine-in option, the couple and their small team would make around 60 pizzas a week. 

Now, following a full revamp of the pizzeria, they’re making around 330 pizzas every week across three days – Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

Given their opening hours of 4.30pm to 8pm (with an extra half-hour on Fridays), that’s roughly one pizza every two minutes. 

For the couple, it’s been a journey of passion, graft and belief – helped by the right support along the way. 

Lucas said: “When we moved to this unit, we were chasing a dream that at times we weren’t sure we’d ever reach. But we really feel like we’re well on the way now. 

“Enterprise Answers supported us from the moment we moved here, helping us secure our first pizza oven and always being honest with us. 

“What could have been an overwhelming and stressful experience was made smooth and pain-free thanks to their guidance. We can’t thank them enough.” 

Their success hasn’t gone unnoticed. Grahame Latus, Chief Executive of Enterprise Answers, said: “Lucas and Caroline’s story is a perfect example of what determination and passion can achieve. They had a clear vision, and despite the challenges, they never lost sight of it. 

“At Enterprise Answers, we exist to support businesses like Peace and Loaf – those that bring something special to their communities. Seeing them thrive and create such a vibrant destination for Barrow is exactly why we do what we do.” 

If your business needs support, call 01768 867118 or email [email protected] for an initial chat. 

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 Dairy. 

The decades-long relationship has seen the Kirkham family supply Neal’s Yard with their signature products for onward distribution to an increasing number of high-end venues. 

Managing Director of Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese, Graham Kirkham, said: “I sometimes have to pinch myself when I reflect on how far we have come as a business. 

“We supply some fantastic household names with our signature products and the list, which includes Booths, Waitrose, some of London’s top department stores – and even Whole Foods Market in the USA – continues to grow. 

“That is possible because of the fantastic relationship we have with Neal’s Yard, who have been at the forefront of the dairy industry for more than four decades. 

“Whilst it’s the milestone with them we are celebrating today, it’s only right that we also note the fantastic relationships we have across the wholesale and retail sectors with partners including Courtyard Dairy, Chorlton Cheese Mongers, Fine Cheeses and Paxton and Whitfield. They have, and continue to be, a hugely important part of our journey.” 

Enterprise Answers has been proud to play a role in the continued growth and development of Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese. 

The company was founded on the rural outskirts of Preston, Lancashire, in 1978, when Graham’s grandmother, Ruth, first started to make the cheese. 

With the help of her husband John, Ruth turned an old piggery into a cheesemaking dairy which was their base until 2008, when production shifted to a purpose-built five-acre farm with on-site milking and cheese production facilities. 

The family now have 100 cows and produce up to 100 tonnes of cheese every year using traditional methods. 

In addition to top supermarkets and high-end department stores, Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese also features on the menus of some of the UK’s leading ‘A-list’ hotels and restaurants, including The Langham, Hampton Manor, the triple-Michelin-starred Moor Hall and Michelin-starred St John in London. 

For Graham, continued investment in the business is key to its ongoing success, with the most recent works focused on a state-of-the-art milking parlour system. 

That investment was made possible by working with Enterprise Answers, a not-for-profit business lender operating across Lancashire, Cumbria and Yorkshire. 

Graham said: “Enterprise Answers have a great approach to business lending and development. They are genuinely approachable, caring, easy people to work with. 

“They work hard to understand where you are, where you want to get to, and will work hard to support your vision through tailored business lending. 

“We certainly could not have upgraded our milking parlour without their support; they are fantastic business allies to have on side.” 

With the dairy’s on-site farm shop rapidly growing in popularity and trade demand for the business’s eponymous cheeses showing no signs of abating, the future looks bright for Mrs Kirkham’s as it cruises towards its 50th anniversary. 

Grahame Latus, Chief Executive of Enterprise Answers, said: “We love to work with businesses with vision, drive and ambition. 

“Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese is a perfect example of a family enterprise that has stayed true to its roots while embracing progress. 

“Their commitment to quality and tradition has created a product – and a brand – that stands proudly on the world stage. It has been a privilege to help support their journey.” 

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, warm, if not hot weather, the lack of rainfall and cooler temperatures has seriously impacted on arable farmers. There is no easy solution as we are not a nation built around irrigation channels to assist, yet the outcome for many farmers will be a poor harvest or significantly lower crop yield, and we know where the impact will be felt – at the supermarket till in the months ahead.

It’s challenging times like these when farmers need to keep thinking one step ahead, be entrepreneurial and devise a means to generate more income from their land to supplement when conventional income streams become less reliant, especially due to factors, such as the climate, are beyond their control.

Over the years, Enterprise Answers has supported numerous farmers with simple, flexible finance where conventional lenders have been less willing with many borrowers embracing the fact we are a face-to-face local lender making local decisions based on old fashioned judgmental principles. In fact, some farmers have returned for additional finance to scale their enterprises citing their coming back to us as “being easier to deal with” which compliments our ‘keep it simple’ approach to lending.

Farmers across the county have obtained finance from Enterprise Answers for a variety of purposes, such as tenant farmers who have required capital to purchase in-going stock. It is not unusual where banks have asked us to assist in this manner whilst they provide the bank account with a nominal overdraft. Tenant farmers have come and gone across the region with finance provided to one to relocate into the Eden area from South Yorkshire and another to leave the same area to take on a new tenancy in Northumberland.

Tenant farmers will find accessing finance slightly more challenging than landowners due to the lack of tangible security, yet Enterprise Answers is (and the only one based in Cumbria) an accredited lender of the British Business Banks’ Growth Guarantee Scheme which enables the lender to allow more flexibility to borrowers who lack security for their requested facility. Utilising the scheme enables us to be more supportive of those marginal propositions where security shortfalls or confidence in the borrower may be an issue.

But landowners too have benefitted from finance including one in the Eden Valley to build a new barn, another in the Brampton area who used our finance to convert redundant outbuildings in to holiday cottages, generating income which has now for them, become an important and reliable source of income to bolster the revenue they receive from their sheep holding. Another Lancashire based farmer has used our finance to upgrade their food manufacturing equipment, increased productivity thus generating an uplift in revenue, all made from the milk produced from their own dairy herd.

Which is exactly what we did when a tenant farmer requested bank finance to acquire a Friesian dairy herd to boost yield productivity and turn the farm back into profit. The bank didn’t believe it would work, turned them down & they obtained the finance from Enterprise Answers – in roughly a year, the farm was back in profit, and they proved a point – farmers know what they are talking about which is where the value of our face-to-face approach gains merit.

Our commitment to Cumbria’s agricultural community was further highlighted at the recent 2025 Cumbria Farmer Awards, where Enterprise Answers proudly sponsored the Special Recognition category. The honour was presented to Gillian Potts for her decades of support to young farmers and agricultural shows, a testament to the values of dedication and community spirit that Enterprise Answers seeks to uphold.

The awards evening, dubbed Cumbria’s “rural Oscars,” celebrated the passion, skill, and resilience of the region’s farmers. From sustainability champions to innovative diversifiers, the event showcased the breadth of talent and determination within the sector. Enterprise Answers’ involvement as a sponsor not only reinforced our support for farming excellence but also highlighted our role as a trusted partner in the region’s rural development.

As Cumbria’s farmers continue to grapple with economic pressures and policy shifts, the need for responsive, locally rooted support has never been greater. Enterprise Answers stands out as a beacon of hope — offering not just funding, but belief in the future of farming. Our work ensures that Cumbria’s agricultural legacy is not only preserved but re-imagined for generations to come.

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 the occasion, and celebrating some of the many entrepreneurs and commercial enterprises we have helped, with a special report which measures impact linked to economic growth and prosperity.

Chief Executive, Grahame Latus, said: “Back in December 2004, we were handed a clear brief – ‘make it happen’. With just sixteen months of funding and a belief that Cumbria needed an alternative business finance option, we set about doing just that.

“Two decades later, the impact speaks for itself. But this has never just been about lending money. It’s about building relationships, walking alongside businesses, and helping them grow, adapt, and create jobs.

“We focus on value over volume, supporting firms mainstream lenders often overlook. In many cases, our involvement has helped rebuild confidence, with banks later stepping back in.

“That’s the power of local knowledge and patient finance.”

Enterprise Answers’ newly published 20-Year Impact Report shows that since launch in March 2005, the organisation has completed 544 client deals, channelled £20.3 million into ambitious businesses, safeguarded or created 2,033 jobs and contributed an estimated £81.2 million to the regional economy.

And we have been on hand, even when times have been incredibly tough.

During the 2008 financial crisis, when banks pulled down the shutters, more than 60 SMEs in Cumbria alone received over £1 million in support – helping them stay afloat and continue trading through one of the toughest economic periods in recent history.

When Covid-19 shuttered retail and hospitality in 2020, its loans kept businesses such as Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese turning milk into money.

Other beneficiaries range from Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston, who have accessed finance for new kilns and other specialised machinery, to safety-engineering group Delkia, now employing scores of engineers across three northern sites, and micro-producer Lakeland Lights, whose scented candles are sold nationwide.

Beyond balance-sheet metrics, the report highlights wider social dividends: more than 55 employees have gained new qualifications through the Eden Business Support Fund – jointly administered by Enterprise Answers and Westmorland and Furness Council – and regular donations to Eden Valley Hospice underscore Enterprise Answer’s commitment to its communities.

Grahame said: “Crossing the £20 million line is cause for celebration – but it is more than a number; it proves that capital deployed close to home can drive growth that London-based banking institutions routinely overlook.

“We offer an approach to lending that has been absent from the high street for many years and our ethos is simple: if a proposal stacks up on the farm, factory floor or high street, we will work hard to ensure we can deliver the very best funding solution.

“Looking ahead, our mission remains unchanged: to keep creating opportunity and unlocking potential in the places that need it most.”

Enterprise Answers offers finance for businesses which have been trading for at least two years, with loans of up to £150,000 available. Call 01768 867118 or email [email protected] for an initial chat.

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 highest ever volume of lending during 2020/21, to businesses during the pandemic through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

Administered on behalf of the Government by the British Business Bank and delivered through accredited delivery partners such as Enterprise Answers, RLS funding can be used for any legitimate business purpose, including to manage cashflow and facilitate investment and growth.

Businesses that have already taken out Covid finance support, such as CBILS or BBLS facilities, are eligible for RLS.

Grahame Latus, Chief Executive of Enterprise Answers, said:

“We are delighted to have been accredited as a delivery partner for the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) and to be working with the British Business Bank once again to ensure that businesses in our region can access the finance they need to emerge stronger from the pandemic.”

“Our commitment to supporting businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic has never wavered, which ultimately saw us deliver CBILS funding to a diverse range of SMEs across our region.”

“It is important that we now ensure businesses can access the finance they need to grow and recover, which will be crucial as the economy begins to unwind from an intense period of lockdown and disruption. Government-backed lender guarantees such as RLS can help lenders turn a ‘no’ credit decision into a ‘yes’.

“We have been impressed with the resilience and tenacity of small businesses through an unprecedented and incredibly challenging period in history. Enterprise Answers has an experienced and knowledgeable team who are committed to doing all we possibly can to support businesses right now, so please do not hesitate to get in touch or submit an online enquiry to kickstart your growth or recovery plans.”

The not-for-profit lender has been supporting businesses that are unable to access finance from traditional lenders for the past 16 years and has a Covid-safe loan process in operation.

The Recovery Loan Scheme is managed by the British Business Bank on behalf of, and with the financial backing of, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Lancashire, Cumbria and Yorkshire Dales based businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic should visit https://www.enterpriseanswers.co.uk/recovery-loan-scheme/ to discover more about Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS), check eligibility and submit an online enquiry.

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 set up his very first business at the age of 22, selling mobile phones and car electronics. His growing interest in  cars was well timed, coinciding with the 90’s boom in performance tuning and modifications across the UK. Gary began to diversify the business to meet demand, building up a portfolio of shops around Essex and forging strategic partnerships within the industry.

Several years later Gary was head hunted by a vehicle enhancements operation to work in the U.S.A. He took the decision to wind up and sell his beloved business and he and his wife moved to Florida. The venture didn’t last however, and after several years the couple returned to the UK and their family.

“I’d fallen out of love with the industry and felt I needed a change of career”, Gary says.

“We moved to a new area of the country [Lancashire] where some friends were living and set up our lives again”.

Before long, his passion for cars and restoration had resumed. Gary bought a couple of classic cars to restore in his spare time. This was a turning point in his career and in 2017 Gary decided to once again return to the industry that he loved.  

“I was leaving a well-paid job that I enjoyed and was starting again from scratch. It was the hardest decision I’ve even made. I asked myself if I should be doing this at fifty but something spurred me on.”

“I knew I loved cars. I knew I loved talking to people about cars. I knew I loved working on cars and taking a blank canvas; something that needs some real care and attention and turning it back into someone’s dream car.”

Gary found a business premises in Lancashire and set up his new venture, ‘Klassic Toyz’ to offer a professional classic car restoration service. Whilst working on customers cars, Gary came across a gap in the market.

He says, “I noticed a lack of readily available products for cleaning classic vehicles. The products used on modern cars are too abrasive for classics and can easily damage the paintwork. I was finding it difficult to source the right products, so I decided to create my own.

“I spoke to specialist chemical companies, undertook some research and formed a range of specialist cleaning products that would be safe and eco-friendly for both old and new cars. Over the past three years I’ve expanded the range and I now sell 27 unique products under the brand, Klassic Kleen.”

The growth in the business necessitated a move to a larger premises that could house a purpose-designed detailing studio and extra workshop space. After a brief search, Gary came across a new unit at Preesall Over Wyre. In October 2019, he began a full refurbishment and refit of the new premises, with a grand opening planned for March 2020.

“To my complete dismay, the government announced the lockdown one week before our opening.  We contacted all our clients, car clubs, industry contacts and the friends that we’d invited, to tell them that the opening event wouldn’t be going ahead. In the end, we held just a small gathering. I took it all personally and spent two weeks wallowing and feeling really down.”

Like many other business owners, when the pandemic struck Gary was left feeling unsettled and unsure about what the future would hold for his business. Then he had a lightbulb moment.

“Suddenly I realised that I was in exactly the same position as all my competitors and that the coronavirus pandemic was going to level the playing field somewhat. Now was the time to elevate the business, introduce new concepts and drive brand awareness. I applied for available government help and received a grant which I could use to update the business branding. I had a clear vision of how I wanted the brand to look and be perceived, but I needed some advice.”

“I’d met Grahame [Grahame Latus of Enterprise Answers] two years previous at a business event and we’d spoken at length about the business. He’d left me his details and offered his help should I need it in the future. I made the call and we set up a meeting. I discussed my ideas with Grahame and he gave me the reassurance and support to progress them.”

After a successful rebrand, Gary began to pursue his other concepts for the business, saying, “I wanted the business to offer something different and unique. I knew that I liked talking to people about cars, and spending time discussing my work with customers. I’d always liked the idea of giving back to the community and I was interested in developing a concept for an educational programme that I could offer to disadvantaged youngsters within the local community.”

“I had an idea of creating a second floor in the studio where customers could comfortably wait whilst their car was worked on or where car enthusiasts could meet up and chat. This would also be the perfect space and facility to hold talks and educational workshops.” 

“I knew I would need some investment to achieve my dream, so in November I got back in contact with Enterprise Answers. Having an already-established relationship with Grahame and the team was a huge benefit. We talked through my ideas and the loan application process and then they arranged the loan. The whole process was made easy because they were so approachable, it wasn’t like the corporate transactions that you would have with a bank.”

As an independent, not-for-profit lender, Enterprise Answers are able to offer a different service from banks and traditional lending organisations. Their approach offers appropriate lending alongside a knowledgeable relationship-based service, providing long-term support to businesses in order to create tangible value and a positive impact.

Grahame Latus of Enterprise Answers said, “It has been a pleasure for us engaging with Gary and providing the assistance required to enable him to realise his creativity & unleash his potential.

“We have nurtured him along the way, helping him to pull his business proposition together and the loan we have provided has enabled an amazing transformation of his business unit, which opens the door to so many other opportunities for his business. The future for Klassic Toyz is as bright as the cars he has finished working on!”

“This is a great example of our client engagement where we have listened, understood and delivered.”

Speaking about the project, Gary says “Creating the new first floor coffee lounge facility, which we’ve named The Pit Stop Lounge, has been the single biggest achievement with the business to date; not just because it’s our unique concept but also because it brings together those important elements of the business; community, passion, learning and education.”

To find out more about Klassic Toyz/ Klassic Kleen, visit www.klassictoyz.co.uk