Doing business in South Lakeland

It’s not all about permits, regulations and rates – SLDC takes a proactive approach to helping you develop your businesses and trade successfully.

South Lakeland District Council is committed to supporting businesses in South Lakeland – whether starting up, looking to move in, or well established in the area.

You can find out here about the services and support available.

As part of this SLDC works in partnership with the Growth Hub to deliver a great package of business and start up support.

South Lakeland is the fastest-growing economy in Cumbria and North Lancashire and has the lowest unemployment rate in the North West.

Why South Lakeland is Cumbria’s economic powerhouse

In this podcast interview Councillor Graham Vincent, the Economy and Assets Portfolio Holder at South Lakeland District Council, looks at why its economy is so successful and examines the challenges that success brings.

He also explains the thinking behind the council’s revamped business website – www.investinsouthlakeland.co.uk – and discusses the impact of Brexit, the prospects for finding a buyer for GSK at Ulverston, and how South Lakeland is working with other local authorities to boost the economy of Morecambe Bay.

Listen to the full interview with Councillor Graham Vincent here

Success stories from South Lakeland

• Ulverston greeting card business poised to go national – read the full story here
• Flying the flag from Windermere for Made in Britain – find out about UniBu here
• Exports from Kendal: The formula for selling to China – read about the Kendal Nutricare success story here
• Why Grange-over-Sands is attracting tech businesses – more about Make Us Visible here
• £600k investment boosts Kendal software business – find out how the NPIF (Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund) was a game changer for this Kendal company here
• The florist working 70 hours a week to realise her dream at Low Wray – find out more here.
• After a lifetime working in the hospitality industry, Alison Magee-Barker launched AJ Lakes Consultancy – find out how.
• Glamping with a wild twist at Rusland – more details here.
• How Mark runs a global travel business single handed – read his start-up story here.
• Meet the politician turned Staveley businessman here.

Podcast: Why South Lakeland is Cumbria’s economic powerhouse

Essential web links

South Lakeland District Council’s business section can be found here.

Licensing and permits

A surprisingly wide range of businesses need licences or permits to operate.

Click here to check if yours is one of them and find out how and where to apply. 

Health & safety

Click here for information on health & safety in your workplace.

Business rates

Find out more about business rates and rates relief in South Lakeland.

Food businesses

Click here to find out how to register your food business and for information on food hygiene training and food safety. 

Business premises

Search for business premises in South Lakeland and access help to find suitable property.

Doing business with SLDC

If you’re interested in selling to SLDC click here for more information link to procurement page.  

And don’t forget, help is available through the Growth Hub to help you win more work – click here.

Invest in South Lakeland

Whether you’re thinking of moving your business to South Lakeland or have an existing business in the area, click here to find out more about opportunities in the area and the support on offer through SLDC.

Traffic signs for tourism businesses

Find out how to get traffic signage for your tourism business.

Markets

Interested in selling through a market? SLDC runs markets in Kendal, Ulverston, Kirkby Lonsdale and Milnthorpe.

Click here to find out more.

Town and village projects

Found out about SLDC town and village projects which could offer opportunities for your business.

Business continuity

It pays to be prepared in a crisis. So make sure you protect your business against risk and plan for keeping your business going in a crisis.

Schemes and grants

Find out here about local business schemes and grants that could help give your business an edge.