Over 350 Business Leaders to attend Cumbria Economic Summit

Final preparations are underway for the first Enterprising Cumbria’s Economic Summit with more than 350 business leaders and delegates signed up to attend the event on Tuesday (3rd December) at the Keswick Pencil Factory.

Organised by Enterprising Cumbria with support from Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council, it will focus on the emerging Cumbria Economic Strategy.

Enterprising Cumbria has taken on the function and purpose of the previous Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP). Lead Members from both Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council have supported the development of the new Enterprising Cumbria, which will be delivering on the priorities of both councils, businesses and our residents over the next few months across Cumbria.

The Enterprising Cumbria Economic Summit host is Phil Laycock.

The agenda for the event includes the following speakers:

•  David Beeby, Chair of the Enterprising Cumbria Growth Board

•  Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer

•  Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, Cllr Jonathan Brook

•  Ben Lucas, Founding Director, Metro Dynamics

•  Pete Gladwell Group Social Impact and Investment Director, Legal & General (pre-recorded)   

•  Isobel Brown Programme Director, Enterprising Cumbria

•  Mark Cropper Chair, Kendal Futures

•  James Harrison Shadow Board Chair, Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster

•  Mark Goldstone Policy Manager - UK Competitiveness, CBI

There will also be panel discussions looking at attracting investment into Cumbria and what devolution can bring to Cumbria. Panellists include:

•  Andrew Seekings, Cumberland Council’s Chief Executive

•  Sam Plum, Westmorland and Furness’s Chief Executive

•  Alex Gardiner, Director, Metro Dynamics

•  David Levene, Director, The NP11

•  Camille Walker National Hydrogen & CCUS Inward Investment Specialist, DBT

The Chair of the Cumbria Economic Growth Board, David Beeby, said:

“We are delighted with the response to the event. We have had more than 350 delegates sign up to attend. It will be Enterprising Cumbria's first major event and will be an opportunity to discuss the exciting, and challenging, times ahead for Cumbria.

“A new Economic Strategy is being prepared which will form the platform for economic priorities and actions. This event will provide an opportunity for our business community to be part of the conversation and will ensure their needs are front and centre of the strategy and our future activities.”