Cumbria Chamber of Commerce’s podcasts have proven to be a real hit with the county’s businesses.

There have been more than 32,000 episode-downloads since the chamber began the regular recordings in December 2017.

Chief executive Rob Johnston said: “We launched the podcasts as a way to communicate valuable information to businesses.

“Experts talk authoritatively on subjects that are relevant and topical.

“The podcast format enables people to assimilate this information easily, perhaps listening in the car, in the gym or while walking their dog.

“We’ve been delighted by the take up – 32,000 downloads in 16 months is beyond our expectations.”

In the most recent episode, employment law specialist Michael Bauer explains how employers can avoid sexual harassment claims. Click here. 

This is Michael’s second podcast for the Chamber. He’s also recorded a session on avoiding employment tribunal claims. Click here.

Another recent podcast sees Amy Johnston of accountant David Allen explain Making Tax Digital, which came into force on April 1. Click here. 

Most chamber podcasts are between 10 and 30 minutes long. But the longest, at almost 45 minutes, is also one of the most popular.

Lawyer Luke Donockley’s Ultimate Brexit Podcast has been downloaded more than 1,500 times. Click here. 

There are podcasts linked to Cumbria Business Growth Hub’s Supply Chain Opportunity Club, which helps Cumbrian SMEs win contracts with large private and public sector organisations. Click here to listen to How to Break into Nuclear and here for How to Supply Booths.

Manufacturers shouldn’t miss the recording with Steve Wilkinson, of Cumbria Manufacturing Service, who sets out the grants and advice available. Click here. 

The chamber is keen to encourage businesses to export and there are three podcasts geared up to help them.

Click here  to hear about Oxley Developments’ export journey, here for the inspirational story from Playdale Playgrounds and here  to listen to Cumbrian export adviser Tiffany Solender.

Raising finance is a perennial issue. Click here to listen to Maria Ramsdale of FW Capital explain the options when the bank says ‘no’.

There are podcasts that help businesses fulfil their CSR obligations too. Click here to listen to Vicki Ellis of Cumbria police set out how employers can help tackle domestic abuse, here  for Julia Walker of Lake District Mobility on catering for disabled customers and here to listen to Sheila Gregory, from Carlisle Mencap, on how businesses can meet the needs of staff and customers with autism.

These are just some of the podcasts on offer. The full back catalogue is here. 

If you subscribe to chamber podcasts, you’ll be notified automatically whenever a new episode is uploaded.

Click here  to view a short video on how to subscribe on Android devices and here to subscribe on iPads and iPhones.