Gareth Lloyd

Cumbria-based law firm Burnetts ranked eighth among the North of England’s most highly recommended firms in Legal 500’s annual client research, which analyzed nearly 200,000 UK responses. Managing partner Nick Gutteridge said the result recognized the firm’s talented team and trusted client relationships. Founded in the late 19th century, Burnetts has offices in Carlisle, Cockermouth, Kendal, Hexham and Newcastle, and became a certified B Corporation in January.

Full Circle Wind Services has won a full-scope operations and maintenance contract from Netro Energy for Westnewton Wind Farm near Aspatria in Cumbria. The Dutch-based firm will provide blade and major-component work, maintenance, and remote monitoring for the site’s three Senvion MM82 turbines, which have a combined capacity of 6.15MW. The contract makes Westnewton the fourth Cumbrian wind farm serviced by Full Circle, whose existing North West England presence and experience with Senvion technology helped secure the deal.

Comedian and writer Mark Watson will host the 2026 in-Cumbria Business Awards at The Halston in Carlisle on November 12. In an interview with Gareth Lloyd, Watson discusses the parallels between comedy and business, emphasizing persistence, relationship-building, audience awareness, preparation and adaptability. He explains how he tailors corporate performances to individual businesses and has adapted his career to include social media, podcasting and video alongside live performance. The awards, supported by NRL and other regional sponsors, will recognize achievements across leadership, entrepreneurship, business growth, community involvement, marketing, inclusion, hospitality and other categories.

Carlisle Brass is marking 40 years of growth from Robin Graham's 1980s hardware-sourcing venture into a company whose products are installed in more than one million UK properties and supplied to 42 of the country's top 50 housebuilders. Its expansion was driven by direct Italian sourcing, later manufacturing and sourcing links with China, and the successful Eurospec range, which now generates half of turnover. The company has changed ownership several times, becoming part of ASSA ABLOY in 2021, and acquired Alexander & Wilks in 2023. Despite increased competition, Carlisle Brass is expanding through new business areas and partnerships while retaining its Carlisle headquarters, 138 employees and a strong emphasis on loyalty, culture and customer service.

Cumbria's She Leads female mentorship programme has launched its second year with nine senior business leaders joining as mentors for 2026. Created by NRL in partnership with in-Cumbria magazine, the 12-month initiative connects established female leaders with women seeking help to advance their careers or small businesses. Mentors provide around two hours of support each month, and the first cohort produced outcomes including new jobs and business growth. The programme also retains Sharon Brook as a former participant supporting the new mentors.

The 2026 in-Cumbria Business Awards will return to Carlisle on November 12, with judging scheduled for August 4. The judging panel includes leaders and representatives from NRL, Lamont Pridmore, React Engineering, Rachael Bell Wealth Management, The Cumberland, BAE Systems and David Allen. Judges describe the awards as an opportunity to recognise Cumbrian businesses, entrepreneurs, innovation, resilience and community contributions.

An employment tribunal ruled that Holiday Extras Ltd failed to provide reasonable adjustments for travel consultant Laura Tait, whose anxiety was worsened by requirements to use her camera during meetings and handle lengthy calls. The tribunal found that delayed and temporary accommodations, including allowing her to work by email or live chat, amounted to disability discrimination under section 20 of the Equality Act 2020. Solicitor Jennifer Cafferky stressed that the ruling does not prohibit employers from requiring cameras generally, but warned that employers must promptly investigate suspected disabilities and implement appropriate adjustments. Compensation will be decided at a later hearing.

An aviation consultancy based in Maryport, Straten CSL, has gained global recognition for developing flight‑efficiency technologies that reduce congestion and delays. Led by founder John Van Hoogstraten, the firm promotes the Airline Flight Optimisation System and SmartSlot, which adjust aircraft speed in cruise to prevent arrival bottlenecks. Trials with Aer Lingus and in Japan demonstrated significant time and fuel savings. Van Hoogstraten argues air traffic control must evolve to address rising demand and outdated performance metrics. Although Straten CSL did not win at Airspace World 2026, its innovations continue to attract industry attention.