Latest news with #Carlisle-based
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Accountancy firm sponsors Carlisle rock band's tour of Ukraine
An accountancy firm is backing a Carlisle rock band band as they embark on a tour of the Czech Republic and Ukraine. Armstrong Watson is sponsoring Hardwicke Circus, who are based in Carlisle, as they embark on the international tour, which will include a series of performances and community workshops across the war-torn country. Paul Dickson, CEO and managing partner of Armstrong Watson, said: "We believe access to arts and culture can have a huge positive impact on communities. (L to R) Stephen McCullough, Armstrong Watson partner; Jonny Foster, band leader of Carlisle-based Hardwicke Circus; and Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson CEO (Image: Armstrong Watson) "Supporting Hardwicke Circus on this extraordinary tour is not just about backing local talent, it's about amplifying voices that bring hope, resilience and unity through music. "We are incredibly proud to help make this tour possible and to see a band from Carlisle take such a courageous and inspiring step on the international stage to raise funds for Mission Ukraine." The 2,500-mile journey is set to begin in the Czech Republic on Sunday, June 8, the day after the band is scheduled to open the show at Carlisle Weekender at Brunton Park. The band will tour alongside Ukrainian group OKAZIA, with whom they will play several dates in the Czech Republic before crossing into Ukraine. Their route will take them from Lviv eastwards through Ternopil, Vinnytsia, Dnipro and Kharkiv, with plans to perform at a military base before concluding in Kyiv, and returning to the UK. All proceeds from the Ukrainian shows will go to Mission Ukraine, a charity delivering aid to war-affected regions. The band will also be runing youth music workshops. Jonny Foster, lead vocalist and band leader of Hardwicke Circus, outside the Amstrong Watson office (Image: Armstrong Watson) Jonny Foster, lead vocalist and band leader of Hardwicke Circus, said: "Music has always been about more than just entertainment, it's about connection, courage and community. "This tour is our way of standing with the people of Ukraine, sharing our songs and showing that Carlisle's voice can carry across borders in solidarity. "We're honoured to be part of something bigger and we're grateful to Armstrong Watson for believing in the power of music to make a difference." With the conflict ongoing, as peace talks between Russia and Ukraine fail to progress, the band is aware of the risks involved. Tom Foster, the band's drummer, and Jonny's brother, said: "Danger is one side of it, but I think the importance and significance of what we're aiming to do outweighs the personal danger. "We were presented with the opportunity, and we weren't going to say no." The band's collaboration with OKAZIA facilitated connections with the Ukrainian concert venues. According to a spokesperson for the band, this "underscores the unifying power of music in times of adversity and highlights the role of the arts in fostering cross-cultural solidarity and humanitarian support." Hardwicke Circus, known for their energetic performances and socially conscious lyrics, are no strangers to pushing boundaries. They previously completed a 15-date prison tour in 2021. During this latest tour, they will be working on a new live album titled Songs of Freedom.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Lloyd Motor Group acquires Telford Škoda for undisclosed amount
Lloyd Motor Group has acquired long-standing Carlisle-based retailer Telford Škoda for an undisclosed amount, marking its first partnership with the Škoda brand and expanding its franchise portfolio across northern England and southern Scotland. The Kingstown dealership, which has served customers across Cumbria and the Scottish Borders for 25 years, will continue operating from its existing location. Lloyd Motor Group said the acquisition would 'ensure continuity of service' for existing customers while bringing its own 'expertise and investment' to the site. Managing director Sam Lloyd described the move as 'an exciting opportunity' for the group, which operates 26 retailers across the region. 'We're thrilled to welcome Telford Škoda into the Lloyd Motor Group family,' he said. 'Lindsay and her team have built an outstanding reputation, and we are committed to maintaining those high standards.' Former owner Lindsay Telford said Lloyd was the 'perfect partner' to take the business forward. 'I know our customers will be in excellent hands,' she said, highlighting the shared focus on customer service and a 'family-friendly approach'. Under new ownership, the dealership will continue to offer Škoda's full model range, including electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as aftersales support and genuine parts supply. The deal comes as Škoda reports continued growth in the UK market. The Czech brand registered 78,601 vehicles in 2024, a 12.3% increase year-on-year, with SUVs continuing to drive volumes. Škoda's flagship SUV the Karoq has led brand sales with 14,648 units, followed by the Kodiaq (12,447) and Kamiq (10,994). The Enyaq EV posted its strongest annual performance to date, with registrations up 43.6% to 11,841 units. "Lloyd Motor Group acquires Telford Škoda for undisclosed amount" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Carlisle-based financial services team create women's workshop
A Carlisle-based financial services team has joined forces with biological experts to create a women's workshop. Stan Sherlock Associates, in partnership with Adapt and Evolve Consultancy, have created the Hormones, Headspace and Hustle workshop. The workshop aims to empower women by educating them on how their hormones affect their brains and behaviour in both work and home environments. The workshop, researched, written, and presented by Dr Zoe Billings, delves into the science behind the female brain, the hormone cycle, and its direct impact on focus, productivity, decision-making, and wellbeing. Dr Billings said: "It's important to understand how your hormones impact how your brain functions, so you know when your cognitive prowess will be at its peak, and when you need to give yourself a break. "I want women to maximise good health, avoid the dangers of being people pleasers, and have more time to enjoy the things in life that are important." The workshop was launched for a small group of women in late April and received encouraging feedback. Miranda Kirschel, programme director at ISH, said: "The workshop was amazing… so engaging. "It's amazing we go through our whole lives often not knowing this information about our bodies – that was a light bulb moment for me." Karen Stalker, managing director at Stalker Transport Services, said: "I'd never put together the correlation between hormones, the brain and the menstrual cycle. "Understanding how that all fits into the pattern makes me feel normal. "It's quite enlightening." Following the success of the initial workshop, further dates have been released, with the next workshop scheduled to take place in Carlisle on July 2. Emma Sherlock, director of SSA, said: "I'd become really interested in my own cycles and when I was at my best and wanted to know more. "But from a place of science and from someone I trusted. "At SSA, we were already really impressed with Adapt and Evolve Consultancy and their science-based workshops so I contacted Dr Zoe Billings to see if she was interested in creating something backed by science, for women and about women! "Thankfully she was and here we are!" To book a place on the workshop, contact Ms Sherlock on 01228 598821 or info@
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Scots knitwear giant closes in on welcome return to Ayr High Street
Planning permission has been granted under delegated powers for the firm to erect signage across the road from its previous base. A move to bring The Edinburgh Woollen Mill back to Ayr High Street has taken a step forward. Planning permission has been granted under delegated powers for the firm to erect signage across the road from its previous base. The shop, previously based at 208-210 High Street, closed in November 2020 when parent company, the EWM Group, entered administration. Plans were subsequently lodged recently in an attempt to open a new store across the road, at the former Barclays Bank site. The applicant in the proposals is Carlisle-based Purepay Retail Ltd, who sought alterations at the former bank, in 225-229 High Street. Plans clearly show The Edinburgh Woollen Mill signage at the listed building. Following the company's collapse during the pandemic a deal was struck by Purepay Retail Ltd to take on Edinburgh Woollen Mill, along with Ponden Home and Bonmarche and bring them out of administration in a rescue deal, which saved almost 2,500 jobs and 300 stores. Now plans to re-establish the knitwear brand back in a key location in Ayr have been green-lighted. Barclays Bank closed in May last year as bosses blamed the rise in online banking as a key factor.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Carlisle-based accountancy firm issues warning to businesses
A Cumbrian accountancy firm has warned businesses across the county to prepare for a uncertain year. April marked the first payroll where employers faced significant increases in staff costs due to hikes in National Insurance contributions and a rise in National Minimum Wage rates. According to Carlisle-based Saint & Co Chartered Accountants, these increases, combined with fears of further tax rises in Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget, the Government's extra £15bn borrowing, and the threat of 'Trump tariffs', have created a difficult period for businesses. Lindsay Farrer, a managing partner at the firm, said: "There is a lot of uncertainty facing businesses, and they can expect a bumpy year. "The rises in staff costs alone are having huge impacts on local businesses, and we know of many who are having to cut the hours of their staff or abort recruitment plans just to make sure they can pay their existing staff. "But it's not all doom and gloom and businesses can navigate this tricky period by reviewing all aspects of their enterprise and understanding what is – and crucially what isn't – possible in the current climate." Ms Farrer has offered practical advice to businesses on how to overcome these economic challenges. This includes calculating increased staff costs and evaluating the impact of higher staff wages and National Insurance contributions from April 2025 onwards. She also suggests businesses analyse their current pricing model to help understand if it can continue to operate charging the same price. Re-evaluating growth plans and checking if they are still sustainable, is another piece of advice offered by Ms Farrer. She also suggests updating profit and loss forecasts to implement changes to staff costs to get a better picture of business performance for current and future financial years. On US tariffs, Ms Farrer recommends securing deals ahead of any impending tariff increases, and securing fixed prices on all recurring deals to avoid future price rises. Ms Farrer said: "We all know that the next 12 months will be tricky, and perhaps even longer term, so the responsible thing for businesses to do is plan as best as they can. "Taking steps to analyse business practices can help mitigate any potential damage, and make sure they can adapt their model to weather the economic storm." Saint & Co, which has nine offices across Cumbria and Dumfries and Galloway, employs more than 120 members of staff. The accountant's warning comes as businesses across the county are already feeling the pinch from increased staff costs and the threat of further tax rises. According to the firm, many have had to cut staff hours or abandon recruitment plans to ensure they can pay their existing staff. However, Ms Farrer believes that by taking a proactive approach and reviewing all aspects of their operations, businesses can navigate this challenging period. She said: "Taking steps to analyse business practices can help mitigate any potential damage, and make sure they can adapt their model to weather the economic storm."
