CBASS Ltd (Complete Business Advisory Solutions) the premier business advisory service for small medium enterprises (SMEs) in Cumbria is celebrating its first birthday in June 2024. CBASS was created by some of the county’s leading business people and acts as a one stop shop for business support in Cumbria. It seeks to fosters collaboration among businesses by forging key partnerships and hopefully inspiring the next generation of Cumbrian leaders.
As it celebrates its first birthday, let’s delve into what CBASS offers and how it supports local businesses.
- Comprehensive Business Advisory Services:
- CBASS provides a complete spectrum of business advisory services to enterprises in Cumbria. Whether you’re a start-up or an established organisation, CBASS aims to be with you at every stage of your business journey.
- Their services cover various aspects, including business planning, legal and tax structure decisions, accounting software advice, national insurance, and employment contracts.
- If you’re just starting out, CBASS offers expert support and up-to-date resources to guide you through the challenges of entrepreneurship.
- Start-Up Advice and Funding:
- For start-ups, CBASS offers tailored advice. Whether you need guidance on business planning, setting up bank accounts, or choosing the right legal structure, CBASS has you covered.
- If you require initial investment to turn your business idea into reality, CBASS can connect you with funding options. They have links to banks, funding bodies, and alternative lenders.
- Business Marketing and Staff Development:
- CBASS recognises that building a successful business involves more than just financial aspects. They offer resources and expertise in business marketing, staff development, and employee engagement.
- Whether you’re looking to expand your team’s potential or enhance your marketing strategies, CBASS provides valuable insights and support.
- Blended Approach:
- CBASS understands that business owners can’t know everything from the outset. They offer a blended approach, combining access to expert business advice and online resources. Having a trusted business adviser on call can make a significant difference.
- CBASS organises professional networking events among business owners who share similar values and challenges.
CBASS uses a dynamic network of associates, business mentors, and partners who not only understand the challenges faced by local business owners but also actively run their own successful businesses in the county. The company is built on five core pillars, each pillar is led by a CBASS founding partner.
- PEOPLE: Claire McClean, Founder and CEO of award winning Realise HR has over 20 years of HR experience with some of the UK’s leading brands. Specialising in the development of forward-thinking HR initiatives, Claire and her team have positioned themselves as the go to provider for HR, people, and culture support within the Northwest, and provide honest, down-to-earth HR support to both the mighty SMEs and the global PLCs.
- FINANCE & LEGAL: Darren Moynan has over 20 years of financial experience supporting organisations with accountancy and tax. He is a director of MoynanSmith Chartered Accountants who support many SME’s and individuals, both locally and nationally. As a firm of Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisers, they pride themselves on offering pro-active advice for businesses and individuals, ensuring they remain compliant whilst minimising tax liabilities.
- DIGITAL, SEO & AI PROCESSES: Gareth O’Rourke is the Founder of We Are Digital a full-service digital marketing agency based in Kendal. He has over 20 years’ experience of working in the digital sector, which includes working in the fashion and travel and hospitality sector. Before starting the agency, he was the director of international e-commerce and buying for an online fashion business based in Carlisle. He is currently supporting over thirty businesses across Cumbria with a range of digital marketing services.
- SALES & MARKETING: Peter Fleming, one of the UK’s leading business consultants and a Director at Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC). Since January 2015, Peter has supported over 60 Cumbrian SMEs, improving their businesses. enhancing employee environments, and optimising work/life balance. He offers personalised guidance to establish organisational structure and clear growth routes to market, resulting in improved sales and marketing processes.
- PRODUCTIVITY & DELIVERY: Ray McCreadie is a seasoned business troubleshooter and growth specialist with over 30 years of experience working in change management. He has assisted start-ups, early-stage technology ventures, net zero initiatives and SMEs across various sectors in overcoming challenges and achieving their goals. He formed his own company LEAN TeamGB in 2012, engaging with several blue-chip companies to help them to improve productivity and take out unnecessary costs. Ray has been involved with many Cumbrian businesses over the years including Cowans-Sheldon, Cherifoam, Clark Door, BASE, Alcan, Cavaghan & Gray and John Chapman.
In summary, CBASS is more than just an advisory service; it’s a supportive network that fosters collaboration, partnerships, and growth among Cumbrian businesses. Using our collective expertise, knowledge, networks, creative approach, and the ability to understand the requirements of small businesses we believe the CBASS partnership is capable of successfully delivering this transformational opportunity for Cumbrian SMEs.
SMEs are urged to contact CBASS via the QRL code shown below for a free initial consultation.
Happy first birthday CBASS.
Paul Foster, Head of Programmes at Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership said: “Cumbria LEP have worked with CBASS on the Cumbria Accelerator programme, enabling us to work collaboratively to help businesses overcome challenges and seize growth opportunities. It has been pleasing to see CBASS grow impressively, which is down to their commitment to excellence in what they do and the first-rate service they offer to the businesses they advise.”
Maurice Walton – Managing Directo, Appleby Creamery Ltd – said “Ray has made a big difference to the way we use our management information, we have much more structured reporting and in much more depth, allowing us to clearly identify strengths and weaknesses. I enjoy working with him as there is always a good-humoured approach to business in a ‘down to earth’ fashion, he is a motivational leader and quick to understand the business.”
Shane Borg, Borg Woodwork Designs Ltd said “Obtaining advice through the CLEP business support programme created a roadmap for my business, leveraging my previous discussion to assess my current status. CBASS helped me with defining my future objectives, and provided tailored guidance that has set me on a well-informed path towards success.”
Ian Stephenson, Managing Director of Technical Consortia (TCL) Ltd, Whitehaven said:
“As a designer, innovator, and creator of new concepts, first and foremost, the mantle of full-blown entrepreneurship does not sit easily on my shoulders. Equally, running a micro-entity, requires all the resources of larger SME’s, especially in the context of operating as a limited company, where every aspect must be managed with all due diligence and efficacy. That is where Ray McCreadie and the CBASS team stands head-and-shoulders above the multiple, individual suppliers of services, a single source of professional support covering all bases. I was able to gain access to professionals who are part of the CBASS partnership; from experienced business advisors, accountants, IT infrastructure experts, to lawyers who specialise in intellectual property and many others, including insurance brokers. The moral of this story: Don’t wait for the stormy clouds to appear, save up for the rainy day by working with like-minded professionals who can provide complete business advisory solutions”
Chloe Luper, Social Soda Ltd. Carlisle said “I approached Peter at CBASS through the CLEP 23-24 Business Support programme to discuss our current business growth challenges and help us develop a strategy for managing the company going forward and achieving our goals. Peter was able to look at every element of our business, ask the right questions and his advice has been invaluable.”
Gareth O’Rourke – Founder, We Are Digital said “I joined CBASS as they aligned with everything my own business stood for, helping SMEs in the Cumbria region, and connecting people. Since joining CBASS and working with Peter and Ray, I have had numerous introductions to a range of different business owners, which has resulted in working with some fabulous business owners in the Cumbria region. CBASS have made a tangible difference to my www.wearedgtl.co.uk and I am looking forward to working with them in the future.”
Ian Cleasby – Director, Ian Cleasby Agricultural and Industrial Ltd said “Focusing on daily business doesn’t allow a lot of time to think out strategies and learn business skills, meaning that enough time is never allowed for it. Sessions with Ray from CBASS ensured I made time for it and his input made sure forward-thinking strategies were put in place to fortify our path to future goals”
Lucy Johnson, Programme Administrator, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership said “I work with Ray and Peter from CBASS on the Cumbria Accelerator Programme. The support and service they provide to businesses in Cumbria is excellent. With their knowledge and expertise, we have witnessed businesses thrive and succeed which has been a pleasure to watch. I am looking forward to continuing our relationship by providing a collaborative approach when supporting and guiding businesses to success and growth.”
Lee Edwards – Director, Penrith Golf Hub said “Ray McCreadie from CBASS has been a massive help and support through my first grant application has guided me through all areas of the application. We have spoken over Teams numerous times, on the phone and via email with speedy replies, a pleasure to work alongside”.
Gary King – Director, David Allen IT said “Being part of CBASS has been excellent for collaboration with other like-minded local businesses to be able to provide a holistic solution for both existing and new clients. We are now able to recommend trusted partners within the CBASS network to our customers.”
Denise Gosney – Managing Director, Razzamataz Theatre Schools Ltd said “I’ve received support from the CBASS to guide us through our rebrand & digital marketing strategy as well as taking our brand global, it’s great to know there’s a wide resource of support in the Cumbrian region for small business owners like me. Ray was really helpful guiding us through the funding process too which can be a bit of a minefield.”
Peter Fleming, Founding Partner of CBASS says, “Cumbria is home to over 23,000 SMEs. We wanted to create a complete business advisory service that would provide them with industry leading support to help grow their business. We are working with some of the county’s leading specialists and business owners to make sure that the solutions we offer are practical, straightforward, and effective.”
Ray McCreadie, Founding Partner of CBASS says, “CBASS is not just about advice; it’s about empowerment. We believe that every business, regardless of size, deserves access to specialist insights and practical solutions. Our blended approach, combining personal consultation with online resources sets us apart from the rest.”