Open for Business with Gerard Richardson, MBE

I’ve got to start by saying it’s really sad that Whitehaven is losing yet another high street business with the Silly Goose Cafe closing, but hats off to Magda for giving it a go, as her entrepreneurial spirit is just what the town needs more of.

Now, I did say this column wasn't going to be just about the high street, but what does that leave us to talk about?

The answer is plenty, to be honest, and as well as discussing old family businesses like Wilsons Butchers in Cleator Moor I’m also going to introduce you all to what is commonly known around here as the supply chain and to BECBC.

Yes, I can hear the question already; the what?

So, to explain to you what the supply chain is, I consulted she who must be obeyed, my lovely, beautiful and very clever wife Dianne, who also happens to be the CEO of BECBC, no, not BEC, BECBC.

Size may not matter but the BC does!

Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster, or BECBC for ‘short’, is a membership organisation representing businesses big and small, and Dianne said its core mission now is much the same as it was when it was founded 23 years ago.

"To create an environment for members to do business together that benefits them and the community."

If that sounds like businesses scratching each other's backs, that's exactly what it is but just in a very transparent manner!

So are members equal?

"We have multi nationals and sole operators as members but everyone has the same opportunity to benefit from membership and when we have meetings, members are members and its as simple as that," Dianne says.

What's your opinion on the work from home debate?

"Working from home can be really positive for members and for Cumbria because we can have people living and contributing here but taking part in national or international projects without the need for travel.

"I work from home but also use a hot desk in town, and that hybrid style is good because sometimes you just need to be in the room."

How important is the supply chain to West Cumbria?

"As well as providing a vital service to support the essential projects at Sellafield, it also brings many international companies to our doorstep and in turn widens the scope for school leavers seeking employment."

How important is it that BECBC is still run by its member businesses as opposed to other peer schemes that are often run by public bodies?

"Its core to who we are and to us being an independent voice.

"We are answerable to all our members in the same equal way.

"As a result, BECBC is often invited into rooms that individual members wouldn’t get into."

Who or what is behind the recent trend of big businesses opening offices in the town centres?

"There’s been a real focus on that through Sellafield’s social impact programme SiX."

"Town centres need to adapt to survive, but there's definitely room for international companies to be neighbours with the local butcher or wine merchant!"

Finally, what are Dianne's thoughts about the current climate for business?

"We all know the issues, both domestic and international, but with the public purse under such strain, private financed projects such as Pioneer Park are going to be very important for West Cumbria alongside selling Cumbrian expertise to national & international projects."