The organisers of one of Cumbria’s major networking events which is taking place this week in Carlisle have announced a partnership with one of the world’s leading accounting technology firms.
The hugely popular Shout! Cumbria event takes place at the racecourse on Friday with the headline backing of Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology for small and midsized businesses (SMBs).
Cumbria Business Expo is now in its third year and for 2025 has teamed up with Sage, which gives the event a major boost for the growing event and one that will attract more businesses, in addition to ongoing support from Cumberland Council.
Organisers Shout! Connect brings the event to its regular venue, Carlisle Racecourse, on Friday 19 September.
Growing year on year, and now filling two floors of the course complex at Durdar with more than 80 exhibitors and 1500-plus visitors expected, it can justifiably claim to be the biggest business to business networking event in the county.
And there is still time to sign up to attend the event, either as an exhibitor or guest, here
The exhibitors will be representing a range of commercial sectors, education providers and public sector organisations including North Lakes Hotel & Spa at Penrith, Porsche Centre South Lakes, Lancaster University, Citroen, Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Nespresso, Carlisle Ambassadors.
Ian Coupe, CEO of Shout! Connect, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Sage, a global technology leader, as headline partner for the Cumbria Business Expo. Their involvement brings real prestige and underlines the value of connecting with businesses of all sizes locally.
“Now in our third year at Carlisle Racecourse, the Expo continues to grow, with delegate numbers up 20% year on year. It’s the best opportunity in the region to network, showcase your business, and make new connections.
“We encourage more businesses to get involved — sign up today and join us in September.”
Nikola McNicol-Kenney, VP Small Business UKI, said Sage was delighted to be backing the Cumbrian event.
She said: “Although Sage is now a global technology leader, our roots are here in the North, and we know first-hand how vital regional SMBs are to the UK economy. Partnering with the Cumbria Business Expo is a natural fit — it’s about connecting with local businesses, celebrating their impact, and creating opportunities for growth. We’re proud to support an event that showcases the strength and potential of the region.”
The charitable sector will also be represented. Neil Flanagan, Head of Partnerships for Recycling Lives Charity, said: “Cumbria holds a special place in our hearts as we deliver food to communities and charities up here, as the Lancashire & Cumbria arm of FareShare.
“We’re looking forward to meeting Cumbrian business leaders to explain how they can support our food redistribution work, and see how we can support them to meet their social value targets. We’re already supporting our partners at The Cumberland Building Society to create incredible social value.”
Visitors can attend the exhibition for free by registering for tickets on Eventbrite, here
