New research by money.co.uk found the authority issued 483 tenders in the past two years, earning it a place in the Platinum Tier, the highest ranking for business value. This places Cumberland Council third, behind Westmorland and Furness and Herefordshire councils. That works out at 174 tenders per 100,000 residents and 43 per 1,000 businesses, well above the national average. Suzanne Caldwell, Managing Director at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce(Image: Cumbria Chamber of Commerce)Suzanne Caldwell, Managing Director of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said the council’s approach makes opportunities more accessible to local firms. Joe Phelan, money.co.uk business bank account expert, said: “For businesses in sectors like construction, professional services, healthcare, or specialist supply, council contracts offer major opportunities.