Reflecting on a year of progress, partnership and community
As 2025 draws to a close, Penrith Industrial BID is proud to look back on another year of steady progress – much of it happening quietly behind the scenes but always driven by one purpose: to support and strengthen the businesses and workforce across the Business Parks.
Many people are surprised to learn that the Industrial BID is led by a voluntary Board made up of business owners and individuals who work on the Parks every day. These are people who care deeply about the local business environment and who give their time, energy and expertise to ensure the area continues to improve.
Behind every project, there are countless hours of planning, negotiation and liaison with councils, landowners, contractors and partner organisations. This work isn’t always visible – but it is always ongoing, and always done in the best interests of the levy payers who fund the BID.
Below is a summary of what we’ve achieved together throughout 2025.
- Continued FREE Training for All Levy Payers
One of the BID’s biggest commitments is ensuring businesses and employees on the Business Parks have access to fully funded training, removing cost barriers and enabling skills development at every level.
In 2025 we continued to deliver a wide programme of courses, including:
- Forklift and manual handling
- Mental health and wellbeing
- First aid
- Excel training
- Social media and marketing
- Sector-specific training on request
All training remains completely free for levy-paying businesses.
If your business or a member of your team needs specific training in 2026, simply let us know – we can organise it.
- Business Park Maintenance and Improvements
Our partnership with 4Eden continues to ensure the Business Parks are clean, well-kept and welcoming. Their teams visit several times a week to carry out:
- Litter picking
- Grass cutting and grounds maintenance
- Reporting issues to the BID
- Environmental improvements
This regular, proactive maintenance is one of the most valued services the BID provides, keeping the area looking tidy for employees, visitors and clients.
- Safety, Security and CCTV Support
Security remains a core priority.
Throughout 2025, we continued to fund CCTV monitoring and maintain strong working relationships with Cumbria Police.
Andy Huyton, Crime Prevention Officer, has been a key contact for many businesses, providing:
- Security assessments
- Advice on site layouts and vulnerabilities
- Guidance on securing premises during quieter periods
Businesses are encouraged to reach out if they have concerns – Andy is available to support any levy payer who needs advice.
- Gull Management Programme
Our Gull Management Programme continued into 2025, although it was partially limited by restrictions relating to avian flu. Despite this, we still saw encouraging results:
- Drone flights helped reduce nesting activity
- Businesses reported fewer gulls laying eggs
- Anti-gull measures continue to become more effective year on year
A key reminder for winter:
If businesses leave old nests, grass, rubbish or debris on roofs over winter, gulls will return.
A combined effort across the Business Parks will make a huge difference in 2026.
- Launch of the Walking Routes and Wellbeing Programme
A major milestone this year was the launch of our Penrith Business Parks Walking Routes – designed to encourage people to step away from their desks, take breaks and support their mental wellbeing during the working day.
Studies show that even short walks can:
- Reduce stress levels
- Increase productivity
- Boost creativity
- Improve overall health and concentration
The routes have been well received, and we look forward to building on this programme in 2026.
Time Out Benches – coming early 2026
Planning is now complete for the installation of six new ‘Time Out Benches’, which will be placed along key walking route points and green areas around the Business Parks.
These benches are generously supported by:
- Atkinson Building Contractors
- Penrith Body Repairs
- Genesis Homes
- Frilu
- Metcalfe Plant Hire
- The Industrial BID
Special thanks also go to:
- The Office (Mardale Road) – for giving permission to install a bench on their land
- Westmorland & Furness Council and Penrith Town Council — for their guidance and support
- Eden Rivers Trust – who will assist with planting around the benches, funded through a grant from W&F Council
These spaces will offer employees a peaceful place to take breaks, eat lunch and enjoy the environment around them.
- Everyday Support for Businesses
Much of the BID’s role is responding to individual queries and challenges raised by businesses across the Parks. This includes support with:
- Parking and traffic concerns
- Highways and access issues
- Planning and council matters
- Security and safety
- Liaison with external agencies
These issues often don’t make headlines, but they make a real and immediate difference to businesses and we encourage anyone with concerns to get in touch.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we move into a new year, our focus remains on:
- Expanding our free training programme
- Delivering the new Time Out Benches
- Continuing gull management and environmental improvements
- Strengthening communication and engagement
- Supporting individual businesses with their ongoing needs
We encourage all levy payers to get involved.
If you’re unsure what the BID is doing or want to understand more, please:
- Attend our meetings
- Invite us to visit your business
- Reach out with questions or suggestions
The more you engage, the more value you’ll see.
Thank You
Thank you to every business, employee and partner who has supported us throughout 2025. Thanks also to Charles Thornton from W&F council for his support and assistance liaising between the BID and his council colleagues. Together we have made meaningful progress and we look forward to building on that work in 2026.
From all of us at Penrith Business Parks Industrial BID,
we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a successful New Year.