Best Alec Chambers Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 16. Dance of the Dead 50:55

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2d ago50:55

50:55

This week on The Short Horror Beer Cast, we’re rockin’ with Richard Matheson’s kooky, kwazy dystopian world of happy fun times! Spoilers ahead, so read the story first if you're precious like that. Story Info Title: "Dance of the Dead" Author: Richard Matheson Originally Published: Star Science Fiction Stories No. 3, 1955 Beer Pairing Alec's choice…

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Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 31: Discussing plans for a Carlisle BID with Adrian Lochhead and Kevin Beaty 24:35

15d ago24:35

24:35

Businesses in Carlisle will have received information in recent weeks about the Great Border City and plans to establish a Carlisle Business Improvement District (BID). We’ve invited Adrian Lochhead and Kevin Beaty, who are part of the team working on the Great Border City, onto the podcast to discuss what prompted the BID proposal; how establishin…

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Ep. 15. The Emissary 48:33

16d ago48:33

48:33

This week on The Short Horror Beer Cast, we’re diggin’ on Dog. That’s right, it’s Ray Bradbury again, wagging a tail—er, uh—weaving a tale of terror. Spoilers ahead, so read the story first if you're precious like that. Story Info Title: "The Emissary" Author: Ray Bradbury Originally Published: Dark Carnival, 1947 (re-published as The October Count…

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BONUS EPISODE: The Lost Words 25:16

1M ago25:16

25:16

In this bonus mini-ep, we dive into our dusty dictionaries to dig on some of our favorite words that have fallen out of fashion. Paleologisms, if you will. (And we know you will.) Some words are due for a comeback, and today they’re getting their shot! Theme song: “Afterparty”, by Paul Lorello, performed by Sid Seizure and the Conniption Edited by …

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Ep. 14. Free Dirt, Part II 44:07

1M ago44:07

44:07

This week on The Short Horror Beer Cast, we’re gettin diggy wit it once again with "Free Dirt"—Bradbury style, baby! Spoilers ahead, so read the story first if you're precious like that. Story Info Title: "Free Dirt" Author: Ray Bradbury Originally Published: Quicker Than the Eye, 1996 Get it here: https://a.co/d/cqO8n7R Beer Pairing Alec's choice:…

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Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 30: How to take your business global with Martyn Staveley 17:54

2M ago17:54

17:54

This month on the podcast, we’re joined by Martyn Staveley, Director of Three Peaks Consulting, to discuss all things international trade and to breakdown our new Export Consultancy service. We discuss: Challenges and opportunities for Cumbrian exporters The impact of global events on international trade Businesses Martyn has helped succeed in expo…

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Ep. 13. Free Dirt, Part I 49:33

2M ago49:33

49:33

This week on The Short Horror Beer Cast, we’re cracking open “Free Dirt” by Charles Beaumont and pairing it with two beers that go down smoother than a buttered gerbil. This is Part 1 of a two-parter! Sort of. We’ll explain when you get here. Till then, you can expect our usual mix of literary over-analysis, pop culture nerdery, and tangents about …

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Ep. 12. The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar 45:08

2M ago45:08

45:08

Today we look at Poe’s masterpiece of mesmeric, macabre, malodorous morbidity while masticating malt from murky mugs! Also, Irish antics! Swooning students! And how we nearly inhaled ourselves into early graves! The Beers * Paul’s choice: Aurora Brewing Company, Fresh to Death * Alec’s choice: Dragonmead Brewery, Final Absolution The Book * The Com…

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BONUS EPISODE: Our Favorite Dark Music 30:21

2M ago30:21

30:21

Welcome to the afterparty! In this follow-up to Episode 10, we bring you the darkest music we could think of in a moment’s notice without pre-thought, forethought, or intuition of any kind. Nevertheless, you’ll love what we chose: * S. Prokofiev, Montagues and Capulets * Johnny Cash, Hurt * The Beach Boys, ‘Til I Die * The Talking Heads, The Overlo…

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Ep. 11: Cool Air 41:52

2M ago41:52

41:52

Grandpa Lovecraft is back with another delightful tale. Fill yer tub with ice and crack open a cold one. Doctor’s orders. We’re gettin shiv’ry wittit. Also, Surströmming! Paul gets another bad taste in his mouth! And Alec becomes a keyboard warrior! The Beers Paul’s choice: Freigeist Bierkultur, Smoke and Ice Sixpoint Brewery, The Crisp Alec’s choi…

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Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 29: Leadership challenges and how to tackle them with Alec Pearson Coaching 16:35

3M ago16:35

16:35

This month on the Cumbria Business Growth Hub Podcast, we’re joined by leadership coach Alec Pearson to explore our new Leadership Mentoring Programme. We discuss... Current trends within leadership and leadership challenges facing the UK economy The 'accidental manager' Specific areas leaders are struggling with How the programme will work and exp…

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Ep. 10: The Music of Erich Zann 58:21

3M ago58:21

58:21

We kick off Season Two with everyone's favorite racist uncle, H.P. Lovecraft! Join us as we witness our poor narrator endure the worst soundtrack since Moulin Rouge. Get a front row seat to Erich Zann's All-Star Celebrity Hootenanny! Also, the plausibility of ghosts! Keith Emerson's Moog! And Paul offends 15,448 people in a single rant! The Beer * …

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Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 28: Innovation Support for Cumbrian Businesses with Tracy Eyres of Innovate UK 16:57

4M ago16:57

16:57

This month on the Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast, we welcome Tracy Eyres, Senior Innovation and Growth Specialist at Innovate UK. In this episode, we explore how Innovate UK helps businesses drive innovation, the financial support available for Cumbrian businesses, real-world case studies of successful innovation projects, and opportunities fo…

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TRAILER: It's The Short Horror Beer Cast... Season TWO! 2:59

4M ago2:59

2:59

Greetings, mofos! So here’s the deal. Season 1 was a test run to see if we could actually do this thing. Turns out, we sorta can. At any rate, we're having fun, and that's all that counts. (That's not all that counts.) This season, Season 2, is actually our first real season, the one where we finally figured stuff out. But to avoid the crises of sc…

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Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 27: Tackling food waste with Guardians of Grub 19:45

4M ago19:45

19:45

This month on the Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast we're joined by Gemma Procter Sustainable Tourism Officer at Cumbria Tourism. We discuss food waste, its impact on the environment and steps businesses can take to reduce it. Learn about the national scheme 'Guardians of Grub' and the tools available to help your business reduce its food waste. …

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Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 26: Social Value - top tips on getting started with Claire Louise Chapman 29:50

5M ago29:50

29:50

This month on the Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast we're joined by Claire Louise Chapman of the Shared Value Business. The topic of our conversation is Social Value. We discuss: definitions and differences between Social Value and Corporate Social Responsibility; the benefits of embedding social value into a business strategy; top tips for small…

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Ep. 8: The Boarded Window 43:27

6M ago43:27

43:27

NOTE TO SUBSCRIBERS: This is a toned-down, less special-effecty version of the show we uploaded as a treat on New Year’s Eve. That glitzier edit was a one-time dealio, you see. But the show’s more or less the same. If you listened to it already, we hope you liked it and urge you to listen again. And bring a friend. And take notes this time. What th…

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BONUS EPISODE: A Very Special Beer Cast Christmas 1:06:05

6M ago1:06:05

1:06:05

Ah, ‘tis the season of warmth, of joy, of strict atomization of humbug, of all things wintery and blazing with good humor, benevolence, comfort, and extreme pessimism regarding the futility of all human existence… Yes, we're covering the king of bad tidings, Thomas Ligotti, by discussing his masterpiece of unnerving horror, "The Frolic." Also, terr…

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Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 25: Claire Aindow on education and business at the University of Cumbria 21:28

6M ago21:28

21:28

In this episode, we sit down with Claire Aindow, the Pro Vice Chancellor for Growth and Development at the University of Cumbria. Claire discusses her new role and the university's new campus in Barrow-in-Furness opening in 2025. She also shares how the university is working closely with local businesses to create educational opportunities that mee…

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Ep. 7: Soft 53:14

7M ago53:14

53:14

We’re back with a banger by F. Paul Wilson. Join us at the end of the world with the most hideous disease to befall humankind since ABBA. Plus, rats! Paul Newman! Mutant bunnies! And more! Make no bones about it, this one’ll get under your skin. The Beer * Paul’s choice: Unibroue, La Fin Du Monde * Alec’s choice: Short’s Brewing Company, Soft Parad…

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Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 24: Denise Gosney on her appearance on Dragon's Den 21:11

8M ago21:11

21:11

As part of our activity for Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024, we're sharing an interview with Denise Gosney - founder of Razzamataz - which was previously shown at our 'How To Slay the Dragons' event held in partnership with North and West Lancs Chamber of Commerce in November 2024. Hear Denise's inspiring story all about how she started her Razza…

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Growing your brand on social media with Martha Wood Marketing 24:31

8M ago24:31

24:31

We're joined on the podcast by Martha Wood, founder of Chamber member Martha Wood Marketing. We discuss the role of social media in the marketing industry and how a marketing strategy can help you take advantage of the platforms available. To learn more about Martha's freelance marketing services visit her website: https://marthawoodmarketing.com/…

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Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 23: Financing business transformation with River Capital 24:34

8M ago24:34

24:34

We catch up with Head of Debt John Gray and Investment Manager Jonathan Nelson following River Capital's recent expansion into Cumbria after securing the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II Smaller Loans Fund. We discuss investment solutions currently available to Cumbrian businesses; getting investment ready; common challenges and how River Cap…

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Ep. 6: Dance of the Frogs 43:30

9M ago43:30

43:30

Hop on over and settle in for a night of batrachian terror! It’s anthropologist Loren Eiseley’s masterful foray into fiction, or so we’re inclined to believe. We took a leap with this one, dissecting something toadily new, warts and all. Also, more impressions! How to pronounce “Schuykill”! And we unveil the catchy new jingle: “Is it Horror?” Enjoy…

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Discussing plastic waste in the health care system with Clare Atkinson of Nu Green 17:13

9M ago17:13

17:13

We're joined on the podcast by Clare Atkinson, Founder and Director of R&D at NuGreen, a sustainability consultancy researching the use of plastic in the health care sector and how resources from medical waste can be recovered and recycled. We discuss NuGreen's work to date, the challenges and opportunities when it comes to using plastic in the hea…

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Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 22: Discussing the Brighter Futures programme with Deborah Naylor and Claire Sands 20:11

10M ago20:11

20:11

This month on the podcast we discuss the Brighter Futures programme with Deborah Naylor (Inspira) and Claire Sands (Cumbria Youth alliance). Brighter Futures aims to support young people in Cumbria who are leaving care, through a range of activity inlcluding mentoring, work experience placements and life skills development. Click below to learn mor…

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Ep. 5: Down There 50:20

10M ago50:20

50:20

Uhhhhh, today we're, eh-huh, going Down There, hhhuh-huh, huh-huh… So join us as we explore the depths of a certain office building and the horrors that lie within. Also, Anglophilia, more sucking sounds, Paul's very weird obsession, and more! Keep your area clean and join us for some workplace thrills! The Beer * Paul’s choice: Samuel Smith’s Nut …

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How to retain more of the money you earn as a sole trader with Sue Reeve of Windmill BTS 16:32

10M ago16:32

16:32

We're joined by Sue Reeve of Chamber member and bookkeeping and training services provider, Windmill BTS. Our conversation centres around self assessment and expenses with lots of useful tips and advice for sole traders when doing self assessment and other ways to save money! Chamber members can access a 10% discount on Windmill BTS's Business Fina…

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Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 21: “Unlocking confidence and clarity” A conversation with business mentors Jacqui Jackson and Keith Jackson 24:32

11M ago24:32

24:32

We discuss Cumbria Business Growth Hub’s Mentoring Programme with business mentors, Jacqui Jackson and Keith Jackson. Join us to hear about the mentoring process and the powerful effect it can have, supporting business owners to achieve their goals and deliver the business they want. We also discuss some of the success stories of mentoring clients …

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Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 20: Tim Bloomer of Fell Brewery 30:50

12M ago30:50

30:50

A conversation with Tim Bloomer, co-founder of Fell Brewery, about the business's project aimed at bringing down carbon emissions at their brewery in Flookburgh. We cover: How the business started from two friends brewing beer into a well-known brand with over 40 employees Tim's thoughts on carbon offsetting Carbon accounting - identifying which pa…

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Ep. 4: The Jar 50:49

12M ago50:49

50:49

Join us as we gaze into The Jar, by the one and only Ray Bradbury! Plus, swamp sounds, a 1940s alert, more podcast spinoff ideas, and fair to middling impressions! You really don't want to miss this one. The Beer * Paul’s choice: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, Hazy Little Thing (served in a mason jar) * Alec’s choice: North Peak Brewing Co, Dauntless Ok…

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Ep. 3: Fritzchen 32:52

12M ago32:52

32:52

Wake up and smell the hamster cage, because today we're heading to the pet shop for "Fritzchen," a creepy little weird tale by Charles Beaumont, featuring a truly bizarro creature and a psychopathic monster of a child. Fun for some of the whole family! Plus, Greg Brady's rival, and a podcast spinoff idea! The Beer * Paul’s choice: Smuttynose Brewin…

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Ep. 2: Smoke Ghost 33:41

12M ago33:41

33:41

Today we pour over “Smoke Ghost”, by the incomparable Fritz Leiber Jr. Also, Paul mangles the German language, Alec can’t hear himself, and we introduce the 1940s alert! The Beer * Paul’s choice: Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier * Alec’s choice: Altes Original Detroit Lager The Books * Fritz Leiber Jr. * Selected Stories * Conjure Wife The Music * Iron …

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Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 18: Veronica Waller of the Farmer Network on business support for farmers 12:21

1y ago12:21

12:21

Our guest on the podcast is Veronica Waller of the Farmer Network, who joins us to discuss financial business support available to farms and other land-based businesses in the form of £500 vouchers to work with a consultant of their choice. We discuss recent changes to agricultural policy and subsidies and how farmers can use the vouchers to pay fo…

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Cumbria Business Growth Hub podcast episode 17: Inspira CEO Mark Bowman on supporting people into work 18:14

1y ago18:14

18:14

We're joined by Mark Bowman, CEO of careers advice and guidance organisation, Inspira, for a conversation on how the organisation supports people into the workforce and key insights on the current Cumbrian labour market in 2024. We cover... Current challenges faced by clients and what this says about the wider labour market Changing application pro…

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Ep. 1: Gray Matter 35:58

1y ago35:58

35:58

What’s the worst taste you’ve ever had in your mouth? We discuss our top picks and talk about “Gray Matter”, by horror gem Stephen King. Bring your corn cob and settle in for a swig! The Beer * Paul‘s pairing choice: Budweiser (Not gonna link it. You know where to find the damn swill.) * Alec’s pairing choice: Founder’s Dirty B*****d Books Mentione…

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Discussing the benefits of going green with Kate Fraser of Hutton John Estate 22:15

1y ago22:15

22:15

We're joined by Kate Fraser of Chamber member Hutton John Estate. The family-owned estate is home to a range of luxury holiday lets which are busy throughout the year. The topic of conversation is on the business’s innovative approach to becoming more environmentally friendly. We also discuss the green business support Kate has received from the We…

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Using EDI to create a positive workplace culture with HR consultant Mel Kinsella 26:57

1y ago26:57

26:57

We're joined on the Cumbria Chamber podcast this month by Mel Kinsella, Director of Chamber member Kinsella HR Solutions. Our conversation is on theme of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), delving into definitions, combatting stereotypes, creating positive work environments for all employees, and the benefits to decision making of diverse thi…

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Discussing the place for plastic packaging with the Plastic Bottles Company 31:18

1+ y ago31:18

31:18

We talk to Chamber members Julie Doherty and Helen Vanroose-Brydon from the Plastic Bottles Company about their work advising small businesses on the packaging they need; some of the unusual requests they've had over the years; the environmental impact of plastic packaging and how the industry is working to become more sustainable. Check out their …

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Launching our Supply Chain Programme with Martyn Staveley 12:17

1+ y ago12:17

12:17

Launching our Supply Chain Programme with Martyn Staveley This month we’re joined by Martyn Staveley of 3 Peaks Consulting. Martyn is leading on our new Supply Chain Pilot Programme, which will offer 1-2-1 support to twelve businesses in Cumbria who are looking to enter new supply chains. In our conversation we discuss… Martyn’s background working …

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Discussing Team Evie's Peer Support Service with CEO, Greg Johnston 33:05

1+ y ago33:05

33:05

We're joined on the podcast this month by Greg Johnston, Founder and CEO of Chamber member Team Evie. Our conversation delves into Team Evie's new Peer Support Service. A newly-launched service pairing the families of sick children with Peer Supporters, trained volunteers who have also experienced time in hospital with their baby or child. Team Evi…

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How businesses can help Cumbria reach net zero by 2037 with Steve Curl of Zero Carbon Cumbria 21:13

1+ y ago21:13

21:13

We're joined this month on the podcast by Steve Curl, Chair of the Strategic Oversight Board for Zero Carbon Cumbria, an initiative which brings together efforts to reduce carbon emissions across Cumbria. We discuss: What is Zero Carbon Cumbria and what are its aims? How are we going to reach net zero by 2037? What does this mean for businesses in …

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Directors Forum Podcast Season 2 Episode 2 - A conversation with Danny Sawrij, CEO of Leo group 41:01

1+ y ago41:01

41:01

In this episode of the Directors Forum podcast we’re joined by Danny Sawrij, Owner of Leo Group, one of our Cumbria Chamber Patrons. We discuss Danny’s career from selling chocolate bars in the playground as a boy and then leaving school at 14 to buy and sell cattle, to owning and operating one of the UK’s leading specialists and animal by-products…

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The benefits of volunteering with Judith Smale of Cumbria CVS 25:42

1+ y ago25:42

25:42

We talk to Judith Smale of Chamber member Cumbria CVS about the benefits of volunteering for individuals and businesses. Our talk also covers CVS's new volunteering database where individuals can register and search for opportunities (volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk); employer supported volunteering (ESV); support for businesses; and the ESV subgrou…

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Discussing investment opportunities for Cumbrian businesses with Regionally and RfM Accountants 27:10

2y ago27:10

27:10

In the latest episode of the Cumbria Chamber podcast we discuss investment opportunities for Cumbrian businesses through Regionally, an investment service designed to connect private investors with established businesses based in the UK outside of London. In part two of the podcast we talk to Chamber members RfM Accountants who work with Regionally…

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Staying competitive in a disruptive world (part 2): discussing the findings of the Cumbria LSIP final report 33:59

2y ago33:59

33:59

Cumbria's Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is an employer-led and locally owned initiative which aims to set out the key priorities needed to make technical education and skills provision more responsive to the changing needs of employers and the local economy. August 2023 saw the release of this year's LSIP report for Cumbria. Find out more. T…

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Staying competitive in a disruptive world (part 1): discussing the findings of the Cumbria LSIP final report 36:10

2y ago36:10

36:10

Cumbria's Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is an employer-led and locally owned initiative which aims to set out the key priorities needed to make technical education and skills provision more responsive to the changing needs of employers and the local economy. August 2023 saw the release of this year's LSIP report for Cumbria. Find out more. T…

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Directors Forum Podcast Season 2 Episode 1 - 'I just wanted a pint' with Barrie Roberts of Ennerdale Brewery 54:05

2y ago54:05

54:05

Welcome back for season 2 of the Directors Forum Podcast, we've had a break, a little bit of a brand refresh but we're back. In this episode Eve talks to Barrie Roberts of Ennerdale Brewery about beer, socialising, the passion that keeps driving him and how he did it all because 'he only wanted a pint' If you do want to look at any of the beers we …

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Cybercrime update July 2023 with DC Jon Hill 20:33

2y ago20:33

20:33

We’re joined by DC Jon Hill of Cumbria Police’s Cyber and Digital Crime Unit to discuss recent updates in cybercrime which businesses need to be on the lookout for. Our conversation also covers the range of current free resources available for businesses to protect against cybercrime. Useful links discussed in the episode can be found below: Police…

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The Importance of Personal Brand with Lindsay Gray 23:58

2y ago23:58

23:58

On this episode of the Cumbria Chamber podcast we discuss personal brand with CEO and founder of Chamber member Natterjack Marketing, Lindsay Gray. Our conversion covers: The importance of personal brand How to create your own personal brand How Lindsday's own personal brand has helped shape her career LinkedIn and the personal brand pros…