An Economic Summit - which brought together hundreds of business leaders from across Cumbria On Tuesday (3rd December) has been hailed a success.
Enterprising Cumbria’s event was held at the Keswick Pencil Factory organised with support from Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council and focussed on the emerging Cumbria Economic Strategy that should be available to the public by early next year.
The summit agenda included a series of guest speakers, panel discussions and facilitated breakout sessions.
David Beeby, Chair of Enterprising Cumbria, said: “I am delighted by the support shown from the business community, public and third sectors for this really important summit which will help shape the Cumbria of tomorrow. The energy and positive response to the challenges discussed was amazing throughout the day and on behalf of the Growth Board we thank everyone for their time and commitment.
“We will now begin the hard task of prioritising our asks of Government as we begin to shape our devolution settlement.”
During the summit James Harrison Shadow Board Chair, Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster, spoke about the challenge and future for youth in the county and that we need to ‘break the comfortable’ in Cumbria and look to an inclusive future and growth for the county.
Setting out a Vision of Cumbria 2050 to make Cumbria a top destination to live and work by improving connectivity; diversify economy with energy initiatives.
Enhance cultural offerings with events and arts.
Develop careers in digital, entrepreneurship, and apprenticeships.
Rebrand Cumbria to attract younger generations.
Promote inclusivity and progressive values.
Align home-working trends with community-building efforts.
Both leaders from Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council spoke at the event.
Cllr Jonathan Brook, the Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said:
“Cumbria’s potential for economic growth is real and it is significant. Whether it’s in defence, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, agriculture or our visitor economy, across all economic sectors there is scope for us to do more, achieve more, and to grow together.
“That’s why it was so invigorating to have so many people with key stakes in Cumbria’s economic success, come together to look at shaping our county’s future.
“Our aim is to harness that skill and experience, to really set us on the right path to long-term, all-embracing, economic prosperity, that will impact all parts of our area.”
The Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, added:
“This was an important step forward for the development of Cumbria’s Economic Strategy and provided the opportunity for strategic partners and stakeholders to have their say. There are some exciting, and challenging, times ahead for Cumbria.
“Working together, we believe that the Cumberland and Cumbrian economy can perform better. We can only do that by being ambitious, agreeing priorities and working together to bring about change.”
Speaking to some of the delegates after the summit one commented on the day saying “Today is showing that we can create a positive future of Cumbria and is making realistic sense”
Another delegate from a firm that operates globally and has a facility near Penrith said “It was a great day listening to the guest speakers and engaging in breakout sessions discussing Cumbria's Economic Strategy for the Future.
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