An Economic Summit - which brought together hundreds of business leaders - has been hailed a success.
Enterprising Cumbria’s event was held on Tuesday 3 December at the Keswick Pencil Factory. It was organised with support from Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council and focussed on the emerging Cumbria Economic Strategy.
Hosted by Phil Laycock, the 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.”
Both Council Leaders from Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council spoke at the event.
The Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
“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.”
Cllr Jonathan Brook, the Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, added:
“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.”