The Cumberland looks forward to a strong 2026 after successful year of supporting businesses
The Cumberland is looking forward to continuing its support for businesses in 2026 following a successful year of helping organisations over the past year.
With more than two decades of experience in supporting hospitality businesses, this year The Cumberland extended its commercial offering, providing banking and financial services to those in the food and drink, professional services, and healthcare sectors.
Throughout 2025, The Cumberland supported more than 300 organisations with its relationship-based approach, providing services such as mortgages, current accounts, and business savings accounts, across its core operating areas of Cumbria, the North East, Lancashire, and South-West Scotland.
As part of the building society’s activity, it helped the owners of Ambleside-based family-run Garside Butchers secure their own premises for the first time, aided Breamish Valley Cottages to unveil a new spa in Northumberland and provided banking services to Lancashire’s largest private specialist education provider, Hawthorn Education Services.
Known for its Kinder Banking approach which puts people at the heart of what it does, The Cumberland has committed to supporting organisations as they navigate challenges which emerge in 2026.
By developing strong relationships with its customers, the building society aims to help the businesses it works with achieve their aspirations and support the communities they operate in.
Scott McKerracher, Head of Commercial at The Cumberland, said: “Assisting businesses that support their communities has been central to The Cumberland’s ethos, and we’re proud to have helped a range or organisations across our operating area.
“We believe commercial banking should be built on meaningful service and strong relationships. That personal, people-first approach is increasingly rare in today’s industry, and it’s one of the reasons many of our customers are attracted to The Cumberland.”
A selection of businesses supported by The Cumberland
The Coppermines and Lakes Cottages - Coniston, Cumbria
This year marked 40 years of The Cumberland’s partnership with Phil Johnston, owner of The Coppermines Lake District Cottages, which has seen the building society support the growth of one of the region’s most distinctive tourism enterprises.
A standout achievement includes converting a derelict miners’ building into a unique wedding venue, complete with restored historical features and the largest working water wheel in the North of England.
Most recently, capital raised through Coppermines enabled Phil to develop The Bluebird Car & Coach Park, a Coppermines initiative in Coniston.
Designed to support the wider community, the car park is aimed at encouraging longer stays, boosting museum footfall, and preserving the natural charm of the area.
Phil said: “The Cumberland have helped us many times, especially with the restoration of the water wheel, which has become a major attraction. It's team's understanding of the hospitality sector and willingness to back community-focused projects has been pivotal. Its approach goes beyond transactions, truly caring about people and communities.”
Breamish Valley Cottages - Northumberland
Northumberland-based Breamish Valley Cottages elevated its guest offering with the launch of a new £700K luxury spa, supported by £300K in financing from The Cumberland.
Set at the foot of the Cheviot Hills, the family-run business has grown into one of Northumberland’s premier holiday destinations, now featuring 12 cottages, a restaurant, swimming pool, gym and a wide range of leisure facilities.
The new spa offers two treatment rooms, an outdoor tiled spa, sauna, ice bath, float room and upgraded fitness areas, enhancing its appeal as both a holiday and wedding venue.
Peter Moralee, who runs the business with his wife Kim, said: “The Cumberland have supported us to expand our offering and create a destination that will attract visitors.
“Northumberland is a breath-taking place, and The Cumberland has helped make it possible for us to encourage more people to experience it.”
The partnership, which began in 2018 with refinancing for the destination’s The Bosk restaurant, has enabled continued investment, including during the pandemic, when The Cumberland offered proactive support to ease financial pressure.
With the spa now open, Breamish Valley Cottages is looking to drive further tourism and job creation in the Branton area.
Wheatlands Lodge - Windermere, Cumbria
Wheatlands Lodge, a charming nine-bedroom boutique guest house in the heart of Windermere, has gone from a long-held dream to an award-winning business with support from The Cumberland.
Five years ago, owners Mike and Lynn Norbury transitioned from demanding careers in retail and the NHS to pursue a career in hospitality. A commercial loan from The Cumberland enabled them to purchase and transform the 170-year-old Lakeland property into a luxury B&B guest house.
The Cumberland’s specialist hospitality team provided relationship-managed support throughout the refurbishment and relaunch, helping the couple bring their vision to life.
Since then, Wheatlands Lodge has thrived, earning national recognition at the Prestige Business Awards for Guest House of the Year and Best Guest House Experience.
Wheatlands Lodge now attracts visitors from across the globe, from the US and Australia to Japan and India, and has become a memorable stop for travellers exploring the UK.
Hawthorn Education Services - Grange-over-Sands, Lancashire
This year, Hawthorn Education Services joined The Cumberland for its banking services, choosing a provider whose people-first principles closely match its own purpose-led approach to supporting young people across the North West.
Founded in 2014 by Caroline Mason, the Lancashire-based organisation has become the region’s largest private specialist education provider, supporting more than 1,000 students who cannot fully access mainstream schooling.
Through tailored academic support, exam centres, equine-assisted therapy and a new Forest School coming soon, Hawthorn delivers personalised pathways that help young people re-engage with education.
Caroline Mason added: “For us it’s about human connection. Being able to pick up the phone or walk into a branch and talk to someone who understands your business. The Cumberland made the whole process seamless; it felt like stepping from an airship into a starship.”
Lakeland Trails - Cumbria
Lakeland Trails, a leading organiser of trail running events across the Lake District, partnered with The Cumberland, joining a banking provider whose ethical approach and community focus reflected its own values.
Since 2004, Lakeland Trails has grown to host nine annual events, attracting more than 9,500 participants, while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and community support.
The move to The Cumberland provided the organisation with a secure, accessible banking solution that supports its ongoing growth and operations.
Phil Blaylock, Director of Lakeland Trails, said: “There’s a two-pronged reason we chose The Cumberland. We were attracted to their ethical approach, and they provide an excellent service.
“Everything fits nicely with our philosophy. They’re genuinely behind us, which gives us confidence as we grow.”
With The Cumberland’s support, Lakeland Trails will continue expanding its national reach while maintaining its commitment to sustainability, community projects and inspiring runners across Cumbria and beyond.