Business leaders from across Cumberland took part in the area’s first ever Economic Summit last week (Thursday 29 February).
More than 300 delegates attended the event at Carlisle’s Civic Centre.
The full-day event, organised by Cumberland Council, included The Rt Hon Ed Miliband, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero as the keynote speaker.
The Summit discussions linked in with Cumberland Council’s Cumberland Plan and the council is keen that strategic partners and stakeholders get the opportunity to help them develop a clear vision for the area.
They want to unlock and generate opportunities for residents, businesses, social enterprises in addition to community and voluntary sectors.
The full day event was held at the Civic Centre, Rickergate, Carlisle between 9am and 4.30pm.
The Summit included a series of facilitated breakout sessions themed around six key areas. These sessions explored and developed future actions to address the challenges and maximise the opportunities for Cumberland. The sessions were based on:
- Clean and Green Investment in Cumberland.
- Climate Change and Nature
- Place Making.
- Destination Management and Place Promotion.
- Transport and Infrastructure.
- Skills and Enterprise.
Last week, the leader welcomed The Rt Hon Ed Miliband, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, to Cumberland.
As the keynote speaker at our Economic Summit, Mr. Miliband joined strategic partners and stakeholders in Carlisle to discuss our vision for the area and develop an economic strategy for Cumberland.
Keen to see more of Cumberland’s investment potential, Mr. Miliband also visited the Council’s Port of Workington for a tour of the 2.6-hectare site and to meet with port staff. During the visit, he heard about the Council’s ambitious plans for the port including the drive to secure inward investment, develop the facilities and capacity and significantly improve the multi-modal transport opportunities at the site.
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The UK government has opened a consultation on the design of the Advanced British Standard, a new Baccalaureate-style qualification framework for 16-19 year-olds. It’s important to have the voice of businesses heard on this proposal so that the new system works for employers. You can get involved directly and find out more via the link below. You can also contact the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce with any views, suzanne@cumbriachamber.co.uk. This consultation is open until the 20th March.
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Cumberland Council is preparing to regenerate Market Square and Greenmarket with the aim of creating a lively space for residents, businesses, and visitors.
The council is requesting the community to provide some input to a few questions regarding their preferences for the future events space.
The project involves the enhancement of a 6000-square-meter area, improving the area with a unique multifunctional events space set to host a diverse array of exciting activities and gatherings. This aims to make the area an attractive destination, nurturing community engagement and attracting visitors.
In collaboration with Natural Dimensions, the council is sharing some visual impressions of the proposed design, featuring innovative elements such as benches which look like they are twisting out of the ground, to create a natural performance setting.
Four trees have been removed from the designated area, two of these were unhealthy trees and two were in the construction zone for the events space. Additionally, the relocation of the war memorial is part of the plan, with an agreement reached with the British Legion to move it, along with its benches, to a more prominent space within the Market Square.
Residents and businesses can actively shape the project by contributing their thoughts by answering a brief two-minute questionnaire, accessible via the link below. The online survey will be open until Friday 8 March.
Cumberland Council is inviting you to join its first leaflet swap shop which will take place on Monday 25 March 2024, at Solway Hall in Whitehaven. All tourism and hospitality businesses, within Cumberland Council, are welcome to join the free event.
If you ever struggle to suggest activities, accommodation, or attractions to your customers, then this event is perfect for you. The event gives businesses a chance to network with businesses within the Western Lake District and Coast. And, of course, you will be able to exchange leaflets with businesses. Building connections with like-minded businesses is a great way to keep visitors in our area.
The event will take place between 11am and 2pm. Each business will be allocated a table to display their leaflets. Businesses are welcome to bring a backdrop, but it is not essential. The doors will open at 10.30am to begin setting up your stand and the event will begin at 11am.
Free food and refreshments will be provided on the day.
The event is free, and businesses must sign up to be able to attend. The deadline for the business sign up is at 12pm on Thursday 21 March.
You can sign up by completing a small online form.
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Want to get involved with how investments are made in the area you live or work in?
We’re looking for people from all walks of life – including the business community - who can offer their skills, insight and experience to our Community Panels.
The eight panels direct funding and investment at a grass roots level. They’re made up of the ward councillors for that area but now, some of them are looking to co-opt fresh faces.
Co-optees can’t vote, but they can but they can ask questions, bring their own perspective and give advice – enriching the decision-making process with their unique knowledge.
If selected, members serve for 12 months. You’ll be offered training and it’s a great opportunity to develop new skills and network with likeminded others.
This is an opportunity for everyone - we want to see new faces in local democracy so, if you are interested, find out more on the Cumberland Council website.
Due to popular demand, the deadline for the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2024 has been extended by almost a week - until 5pm on Thursday 7 March. Cumbria Tourism have ackonwledged it's a busy time and hope this will give you a helping hand to showcase your achievements over the last 12 months.
With 16 categories available, it’s your chance to showcase your businesses and boost your PR presence as part of this year’s high-profile 50th anniversary event in July. What’s more, you’ll receive valuable feedback about your business to help you grow for the future.
The event will take place on 17 – 19 May 2024. There will be a bigger schedule of sporting events and outdoor activities. Among the hikes, the ever-popular Keswick 3 Peaks Challenge will be led out by 3 Dads Walking as a fundraiser for the suicide prevention charity Papyrus.
As a local business, KMF are able to offer you a 20% discount on the Cycle Sportive, Open Water Swimming, Triathlons, and Open 5 Adventure Race. All you have to do is enter code KMF24-B2B2C at checkout.
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New 'Cumbrian Gold' beer to mark 50th anniversary
Cumbria Tourism (CT) are thrilled to announce that they have teamed up with Hawkshead Brewery to create a special anniversary-themed 'Cumbrian Gold' beer. A percentage of every bottle of the new ‘golden’ lager sold will go towards Cumbria Tourism’s 50th Anniversary Fund.
Be prepared for new legislation
Here are some top tips from Strategic Partner, Armstrong Watson, to help businesses prepare for the Government’s new Tipping Act, coming into force from July.
Meeting the national media
CT’s PR team headed down to London last week to showcase our destination to 60+key national and international media. The gathering hosted by VisitEngland was a chance to meet individually with journalists representing media outlets with a huge collective reach, including titles like The Sunday Times, The Guardian and the FT, alongside freelance travel writers and social media influencers.
CT had the opportunity to discuss ‘what’s new’ in the county and pitch stories and press trips on behalf of CT members. Following some interesting discussions, we will be working closely with a new group of journalists and influencers in the coming months to promote Cumbria to the world.
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