TEGretail has held its first networking evening funded by Cumbria Community Foundation to support local businesses.

The event held on April 9 at the Rum Story in Whitehaven saw 30 local businesses attend the free event.

 The Local Business Meet Up gave Whitehaven business owners the opportunity to meet in person, discuss ideas and make new connections, which will help to strengthen trade locally. As Chloë Pennington, owner of Chloes Chateau, summed up it was “really great to bounce off other businesses and be able to support each other.”

There was also an update from the Harbour Commissioners for businesses. Deanne Shallcross, representing the Harbour Commissioners and The Rum Story Shop, highlighted the benefits of the event: “It’s great to hear the buzz from local traders. To meet in person for the first time and come together in a really positive way to discuss running businesses in Whitehaven.”

Local businesses Bakes by Gina and Love at First Bite provided brownies and cupcakes for the event. TEGretail detailed the support it could offer to local businesses and its hopes for business in Whitehaven going forward.

Lara Schwab, TEGretail’s Co-ordinator, reflected on the success of the event: "It’s brilliant to see many established businesses in and around Whitehaven come together and understand the importance of supporting each other and meaningful collaboration for the town."

Local Business Meet Ups will run quarterly, with the next event planned for June 2024 (date to be confirmed).