Young Cumbrian Entrepreneurs Showcase Innovative Businesses Through Positive Enterprise Programme

Young entrepreneurs from Furness and West Cumbria have celebrated the success of the Positive Enterprise programme, turning creative business ideas into thriving ventures with mentoring and funding support.

A new generation of young entrepreneurs in Cumbria is proving that great business ideas can come from anywhere, with ventures ranging from AI-powered technology and sustainable furniture restoration to authentic Nigerian cuisine and creative fashion design.

Fifteen aspiring business owners aged between 14 and 25 from Furness and West Cumbria celebrated the success of the Positive Enterprise programme this week after spending the past six months developing their businesses with expert mentoring, practical training and financial support.

Run by Cumbria Community Foundation in partnership with the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP), the programme was designed to help young people transform promising ideas into viable businesses. Each participant received a £1,000 start-up grant earlier this year, enabling them to launch or expand ventures as diverse as pet photography, mobile make-up services, fragrances inspired by the scents of Cumbria, gutter cleaning, AI virtual assistants and specialist food businesses.

The programme culminated in celebration events at the Carnegie Theatre in Workington and The Bridge in Barrow, where participants presented their business journeys, sharing both their achievements and the challenges they had overcome.

In West Cumbria, 21-year-old Maria Ferreira from Workington impressed judges with her business, Ferrocious Furniture, which restores and reupholsters unwanted furniture. She received an additional £1,000 investment, which she plans to use to run workshops teaching others how to upcycle household items instead of throwing them away.

Maria said she hopes to inspire more people to see creative careers as a genuine possibility, particularly in areas where opportunities can feel limited. Her mentor, Rachel Stewart, praised her determination and described the mentoring experience as a rewarding team effort.

Runner-up Holly Chamberlain, 20, from Cockermouth, received £500 for her sewing and knitting pattern business, Un Petit Rêve, where she designs clothing, creates knitting patterns and hosts workshops encouraging others to develop crafting skills.

Meanwhile, the programme expanded into Furness for the first time this year. Barrow entrepreneur Travis Drake secured the top award of £1,000 for Buzz Trackers, an innovative device designed to help people locate frequently misplaced items such as television remote controls. Travis credited both the funding and the guidance of his mentor, James Batchelor, with helping him refine his business ideas.

The Furness runner-up was 18-year-old Rukky Jokoh, whose business Rukky's Naija Hub brings authentic Nigerian food to local customers. She said the programme had enabled her to transform a personal passion into a sustainable business.

The Positive Enterprise initiative is now in its fourth year in West Cumbria and made its Furness debut in 2026. Funding has come from organisations including Sellafield Ltd, the Printers Inc Social Mobility Fund, Thomas Graham & Sons Ltd, private donors and supporters committed to improving opportunities for young people across the region.

Beyond financial backing, participants benefited from experienced business mentors, leadership training and practical workshops covering essential entrepreneurial skills including negotiation, time management and business planning.

Organisers believe the programme continues to grow in both quality and impact, helping ambitious young people gain the confidence, networks and experience needed to build successful futures.

Applications for the 2027 Positive Enterprise programme will open later this year, with opportunities available for both aspiring entrepreneurs and volunteer business mentors.

For readers interested in taking part or volunteering as a mentor, more information about the Positive Enterprise programme is available from Cumbria Community Foundation. https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/positiveenterprise

Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day: Celebrating Britain's SMEs

Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day: Celebrating the Businesses That Keep Britain Moving.

Discover why Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day celebrates the entrepreneurs and small businesses driving innovation, jobs and economic growth across the UK.

Every year on 27 June, the world marks Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) Day – an opportunity to recognise the millions of businesses that form the backbone of local, national and global economies.

While the headlines are often dominated by multinational corporations, it is the UK's small businesses that quietly keep communities thriving. From family-run shops and independent cafés to innovative technology start-ups, skilled tradespeople and specialist manufacturers, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises make an enormous contribution to employment, innovation and economic growth.

In the UK alone, small businesses account for the overwhelming majority of all private sector firms. Many are run by passionate entrepreneurs who have turned an idea into a successful enterprise through determination, hard work and a willingness to take risks.

These businesses create jobs, develop new products and services, support local supply chains and often provide a more personal level of customer service than larger organisations can offer. They are also quick to adapt to changing consumer habits, embracing new technology, flexible working and online trading opportunities.

However, running a small business is rarely easy.

Many owners continue to face rising operating costs, increased energy prices, recruitment challenges, changing regulations and ongoing economic uncertainty. Access to finance, cybersecurity, digital transformation and artificial intelligence are also becoming increasingly important issues for businesses of every size.

Yet despite these challenges, Britain's entrepreneurs continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. Across every sector, business owners are finding creative ways to grow, improve efficiency and reach new customers both at home and overseas.

Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day is therefore more than just a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of the vital role these businesses play in building prosperous communities and driving future economic success.

At That's Business, we're proud to shine a spotlight on organisations of every size. Whether it's reporting on exciting new product launches, innovative technologies, leadership appointments, sustainability initiatives or inspiring entrepreneurial success stories, we're committed to celebrating the people behind Britain's business community.

So today, if you know someone who runs a small business, take a moment to support them. Buy from them, recommend them, leave a positive review or simply share their story. Small actions can make a big difference.

Here's to the entrepreneurs, innovators and independent businesses that help keep Britain's economy moving forward—today on MSME Day and every day of the year.

New Book Shows Businesses How to Navigate Technological Disruption

Discover how The Z-Curve by Alberto Torres helps business leaders understand AI, quantum computing and technological disruption to build long-term success.

New Book Explains How Businesses Can Stay Ahead of Technological Disruption

The pace of technological change is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, leaving many organisations struggling to keep up. 

From artificial intelligence and automation to quantum computing and genetic engineering, businesses are facing a rapidly evolving landscape that demands constant adaptation.

A new book, The Z-Curve: Navigating Your Business Through Technological Disruption, by business strategist Alberto Torres, aims to give leaders a practical framework for understanding how technological disruption unfolds and how organisations can position themselves for long-term success.

Today's businesses are operating in an environment where technological innovation is closely intertwined with global politics, competition for critical supply chains, and the race to control valuable data. As nations invest heavily in emerging technologies, companies are being forced to rethink how they compete, innovate and future-proof their operations.

The book introduces the concept of the "Z-Curve", a model designed to help organisations recognise the warning signs of disruption before it is too late. Rather than simply reacting to change, the framework encourages leaders to anticipate technological shifts and develop strategies that build resilience and sustainable growth.

History offers plenty of examples of companies that successfully embraced change, alongside those that failed to adapt. Technology giants including Apple, Amazon, Google and NVIDIA have transformed industries and achieved remarkable growth, while once-dominant household names such as Xerox, Nokia, AOL and Blockbuster have seen their influence fade as markets evolved.

According to Torres, the next wave of disruption is already underway. Advances in generative and agentic AI, quantum computing and biotechnology are expected to reshape industries even more dramatically over the coming decade.

Drawing on a series of real-world business case studies, The Z-Curve examines both successful transformations and costly failures, providing practical lessons for executives, managers and entrepreneurs seeking to navigate uncertainty with greater confidence.

Torres, a former senior executive and Partner at McKinsey & Company, is currently a member of Adobe's International Advisory Board and an Adjunct Professor at IE Business School. He believes technological disruption is no longer an occasional challenge but an ongoing reality for every organisation.

He said: "Technological disruption is no longer a distant threat; it is a constant reality for every organisation. Understanding how it works is the first step towards managing it successfully. The Z-Curve gives leaders a way to see disruption more clearly and act with confidence."

As technology continues to redefine the business world, books such as The Z-Curve provide valuable insights for leaders looking to remain competitive in an increasingly unpredictable future.

The Z-Curve: Navigating Your Business Through Technological Disruption is published by LID Publishing on 25 June 2026. Available in hardback (ISBN: 9781917391672), priced at £19.99.

For more about LID Publishing, please visit www.lidpublishing.com

You can buy the book at a discounted price here:- https://amzn.to/4xQOATn

AI Isn't Failing Businesses – Why UK Companies Need to Rethink AI ROI

AI Isn't Failing Businesses – Expectations Are.

Three-quarters of UK businesses now use AI, but only 31% report positive ROI. Discover why the issue may be expectations rather than the technology itself.

Artificial intelligence has rapidly become part of everyday business operations across the UK. From customer service chatbots to content creation tools, organisations of all sizes are embracing AI in the hope of boosting efficiency and profitability.

Yet new research suggests many businesses are struggling to see the returns they expected.

A survey of 500 senior decision-makers conducted by Studio Graphene found that over three-quarters of UK businesses are now using AI tools. 

However, only 31% reported seeing a positive return on investment, while fewer than half could clearly define what success from AI would actually look like.

At first glance, those figures might suggest AI is underperforming. But some industry experts believe the real problem lies elsewhere.

According to Angus Hay, CEO and Founder of Edinburgh-based AI agency Vereus, businesses may simply be measuring the wrong things.

Many organisations adopt AI with the expectation that it will directly increase sales, win new customers or generate additional revenue. While AI can certainly support these goals, Hay argues that its greatest value often comes from something far less glamorous: removing time-consuming administrative tasks from employees' workloads.

In many businesses, highly skilled professionals spend significant portions of their week on reporting, compliance, research, data gathering and other repetitive tasks. While necessary, these activities rarely generate revenue directly.

This is where AI can make a genuine difference.

Rather than replacing people, AI can automate many of these routine processes, freeing employees to focus on work that creates real value. More time can be spent serving customers, developing products, building relationships and driving growth.

Vereus has seen this approach deliver impressive results. One investment firm reportedly reduced a six-day intelligence-gathering process to less than two minutes. A rental business reclaimed nearly two weeks of manual reporting time during each reporting cycle, while a telecommunications company cut expansion costs by over £30,000 per month.

In each case, AI wasn't generating income directly. Instead, it was creating additional capacity for people to perform at their best.

Interestingly, separate research from KPMG suggests that 65% of UK businesses plan to continue investing in AI regardless of whether they can currently demonstrate a clear return on investment.

That may be because many business leaders instinctively recognise AI's potential, even if traditional ROI measurements fail to capture its true value.

Perhaps the most important question businesses should ask isn't "What will AI earn?" but rather "What could our people achieve if AI gave them more time to do what they do best?"

https://www.vereus.co.uk

Enterprise Awards Announces Entrepreneur Finalists for 14th Edition 2026

Celebrating innovation, resilience and excellence across the entrepreneurial community.

The Enterprise Awards has officially unveiled the Entrepreneur finalists selected for its highly anticipated 14th edition, taking place on 1st July 2026, at the prestigious Drapers’ Hall in the City of London.

Recognised as one of the leading celebrations of entrepreneurial achievement, the awards continue to spotlight exceptional founders, innovators and business leaders who are driving growth, impact and transformation across their industries, and the investment funds that support and enable them.

Since the beginning of the Enterprise Awards, more than 100 outstanding founders have been recognised for their journeys and achievements. Together, their businesses now generate over $3bn in annual revenue and employ more than 17,000 people worldwide.

Following a competitive judging process, this year’s finalists have been recognised across a range of award categories, including Emerging, Developing, Enterprise, Scale-Up, Social Enterprise and Applied AI Entrepreneur.

The Entrepreneur finalists for the 2026 Enterprise Awards are:

Vivek Bajaj - Likezero

Paul Broadhurst - Technetix Group

Eithne Devine-Hynes - DeltaXignia

Laura Earnshaw - myHappymind

Stephanie Eltz - Doctify

Divyaa Garg - LetsLocalise

Thomas Garnett & Vlad Galu - Refute

Michelle He - Abound

Richard Jenkins - Hello Neighbour

Arti Khanna - Vyntelligence

Natalie Munk - Kaylo

Helen Murphy - Opply

Dwarika Patro - Aays Technologies

Kapil Singhal - Vyntelligence

Paul Sulyok - Green Man Gaming

Mark Sweeny - de Novo Solutions

Steve Wilde - NVOY Technologies

Sean Williams - AutogenAI

Speaking on this year’s finalists, John O’Connell, Founder and Chair of the Enterprise Awards, and Executive Chairman of ScaleUp Group, told That's Business:  “Each year, the Enterprise Awards shines a light on the remarkable ambition, creativity and resilience of entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of business. 

"Our 2026 finalists represent the very best of entrepreneurial talent, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements as we mark the 14th edition of the awards.”

Tola Sargeant, Chair of the Judging Panel, and CEO of Archives of IT, added: “The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high, making the judging process both inspiring and highly competitive. The finalists demonstrated not only strong commercial success, but also innovation, leadership and meaningful impact within their industries and communities.”

The winners will be announced at the Enterprise Awards ceremony on 1st July 2026, where business leaders, investors, founders and industry stakeholders will come together to celebrate entrepreneurial excellence.

The Enterprise Awards is proud to be supported by its 2026 partners and sponsors, including Evelyn Partners, ScaleUp Group and Silverpeak as Headline Sponsors; Farringford Legal as Drinks Sponsor; and Archives of IT as Impact Partner. The event is delivered with expert event management support from tx2events.

Early bird table pricing is available until 31st May, with guests encouraged to secure their places early for what promises to be a standout evening in the UK tech calendar.

For more information about the Enterprise Awards, the 2026 finalists, tickets or table bookings, visit https://www.enterprise-awards.co.uk/ or follow https://www.linkedin.com/company/enterprise-awards/.

International Creativity and Innovation Day: Why Bold Ideas Drive Business Success

Every successful business started with a simple idea. 

Whether it was a new product, a better service, or a smarter way of doing things, innovation sits at the heart of progress. 

That’s exactly what International Creativity and Innovation Day, celebrated each year on 21 April, is all about.

Recognised by the United Nations, the day encourages individuals, organisations, and governments to think differently and embrace fresh ideas that can improve lives, communities, and industries.

For businesses of all sizes, it’s a timely reminder that creativity isn’t just for artists or designers. It’s a core skill that fuels growth, solves problems, and helps companies stay competitive.

Creativity Is a Business Advantage

In an increasingly crowded marketplace, originality matters. Businesses that encourage creative thinking are more likely to:

Develop innovative products and services

Improve efficiency through smarter processes

Respond quickly to changing markets

Stand out from competitors

From small independent retailers to global tech companies, innovation often comes from asking one simple question: Is there a better way to do this?

Innovation Starts With Workplace Culture

Creativity rarely thrives in rigid environments. Companies that want innovative ideas must create a culture where people feel comfortable experimenting and sharing suggestions.

That might include:

Encouraging brainstorming sessions

Allowing time for side projects or experimentation

Rewarding creative problem-solving

Listening to ideas from staff at every level

Many breakthrough ideas come from unexpected places, including junior employees who see problems from a fresh perspective.

Small Businesses Can Innovate Too

Innovation isn’t limited to major corporations with massive research budgets. Small businesses often lead the way because they can move quickly and adapt without layers of bureaucracy.

Examples of everyday business innovation include:

Streamlining customer service with new digital tools

Introducing sustainable packaging or greener processes

Offering new ways for customers to interact online

Creating unique experiences that competitors cannot easily copy

Even minor improvements can make a significant difference over time.

Celebrate Creativity in Your Business

International Creativity and Innovation Day is a great opportunity to spark new thinking within your team. Consider:

Hosting a workplace “ideas day”

Running a staff innovation challenge

Reviewing processes to identify improvements

Encouraging employees to share new product or service ideas

Sometimes the next big breakthrough begins with a simple conversation.

The Future Belongs to Creative Businesses

In a world shaped by rapid technological change, businesses that embrace creativity will be better equipped to adapt and thrive. Innovation isn’t just about invention, it’s about continuously improving, questioning assumptions, and exploring new possibilities.

International Creativity and Innovation Day is a reminder that the best ideas often come from those willing to think differently.

And in business, thinking differently can make all the difference.

The Role of Innovation in Business Growth

In today's fluid and ever-changing business landscape, innovation is not merely a buzzword; it's a vital driver of success and growth. Businesses that fail to innovate risk stagnation and becoming obsolete. 

This blogpost explores the pivotal role of innovation in business growth, highlighting its importance and offering insights into how companies can foster a culture of innovation.

Understanding Innovation

Before delving into the role of innovation in business growth, it's essential to understand what innovation entails. Innovation is not limited to ground-breaking inventions or radical changes. It encompasses any creative process that results in a valuable improvement, whether it's in products, services, processes, or business models.

Meeting Customer Needs and Requirements

Innovation enables businesses to better understand and cater to customer needs. In a rapidly evolving marketplace, consumers are constantly seeking more efficient, convenient, and meaningful solutions. By embracing innovation, companies can adapt to these evolving demands and maintain a competitive edge. For example, companies like Apple consistently innovate their product offerings, providing consumers with the latest and most advanced technology.

Enhancing Efficiency

Innovation is also about finding more efficient and cost-effective ways to operate. Whether it's streamlining internal processes, automating tasks, or optimising supply chains, innovation can significantly reduce operational costs, boost productivity, and ultimately drive business growth. Amazon's use of automation and robotics in its warehouses is a prime example of how innovation enhances efficiency.

Competitive Advantage

Innovation is a potent tool for gaining a competitive advantage. Businesses that continually innovate can stay ahead of the competition and remain relevant in the marketplace. By offering something unique or superior to what others provide, a company can attract more customers and generate increased revenue.

Business Expansion

Innovation often leads to the development of new products or services, which can open doors to new markets and revenue streams. Companies that expand their offerings are more likely to grow and thrive. For instance, Tesla's innovation in electric vehicles not only disrupted the automotive industry but also created opportunities for energy storage and solar energy solutions.

Adaptation to Change

The business environment is highly dynamic, and innovation is the key to adaptability. Companies that resist change and stick to traditional practices are vulnerable to economic downturns, technological disruptions, and unforeseen challenges. Innovators, on the other hand, can pivot and adjust their strategies to meet the demands of changing times.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

To harness the power of innovation for business growth, companies must create a culture that encourages and nurtures it. Here are some steps to foster a culture of innovation:

Leadership Commitment: Leadership must actively support and champion innovation initiatives. Their commitment sets the tone for the entire organization.

Encourage Risk-Taking: Employees should feel empowered to take risks and experiment. Failure should be seen as a learning opportunity rather than a setback.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Encourage teams from different departments to collaborate and share ideas. Diverse perspectives often lead to more innovative solutions.

Provide Resources: Allocate resources for research and development, training, and tools that facilitate innovation.

Recognise and Reward Innovation: Recognise and reward employees for their innovative contributions, reinforcing the importance of innovation within the organisation.

Innovation is the lifeblood of business growth. It enables companies to meet customer needs, improve efficiency, gain a competitive edge, expand their reach, and adapt to changing circumstances. Fostering a culture of innovation is crucial for businesses looking to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. Embracing innovation is not just a choice; it's a necessity for long-term success and relevance in today's business world.

TBD Media Group Announces "Innovation and Disruption Leaders" Campaign: Celebrating Visionaries Transforming Industries

The TBD Media Group is absolutely thrilled to announce its upcoming series, "Innovation and Disruption Leaders” hosted on WELT. 

It's aimed at inspiring and enlightening audiences about the dynamic world of modern business and leadership in the face of evolving challenges. In a rapidly changing global landscape, this series will shed light on the trailblazers who are breaking today's status quo to improve tomorrow's decisions.

The recent turbulence in the global market has forced businesses to rethink, revaluate and reinvent their strategies. 

Agility has become the key to navigating the complex currents of trade on a global scale. The "Innovation and Disruption Leaders" series will showcase the stories and strategies of leaders and businesses that have successfully adapted and modernised to respond to the current instability.

Through thought-provoking interviews and in-depth analysis, this series will explore the following themes: Adaptation in a Changing World, Technology as a Catalyst, Global Perspectives and Sustainability and Responsibility.

TBD Media Group is committed to bringing these stories to a global audience, providing a platform for leaders, innovators, and disruptors to share their experiences and insights. By doing so, we aim to inspire and empower others to embrace change, challenge the norm, and lead their organisations toward a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Stay tuned for the "Innovation and Disruption Leaders" series, where we will introduce you to the individuals and businesses shaping the future of industry and commerce. Join us in breaking the status quo to improve tomorrow's decisions.

Companies featured in this campaign includes:

Basler AG- Disruptive innovations powered by computer vision.

HHL Leipzig – Where innovation and entrepreneurial spirit shape the future.

Puraglobe- Changing the way the world uses oil.

SWEG- A public transport company on the road to the future.

https://www.tbdmediagroup.com