Last updated at 15:35, Wednesday, 22 February 2012

Managing director at NuExec Consulting Ltd

Emma-Jayne Gooch

Describe Cumbria in three words

Beautiful, serene and ever-changing.

What is your favourite thing about Cumbria?

The breathtaking views and beauty, while still being a place of excellence in business.

What makes you most proud to live and work in Cumbria?

I am very proud to have my own business based in west Cumbria and to be part of the senior management team of Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster.

Without the support of the business people in Cumbria engaging with me and sharing their passion and enthusiasm, my dream of having my own business would never have become a reality.

Which stereotypes about Cumbria would you say were wrong?

On moving to Cumbria I was told that you had to live here for at least 14 years before you would be “accepted” and be classed as a local.

Having been here for approaching four years myself and my children have been fully embraced and have been made to feel part of a fantastic community.

Where is your favourite place in Cumbria to go for a night or day out?

For a day out with the children it would have to be Walby Farm Park or Muncaster. For a night out probably an evening in Cockermouth.

What is your favourite Cumbrian meal?

It has to be a jacket potato from the La’al Tattie Bar in Whitehaven.

The homemade chilli with cheese in their freshly baked jacket potatoes is just the best.

What and where are your favourite shops and tourist attractions in Cumbria?

I have been coming to Cumbria as a visitor since I was six years old so I feel I really have an appreciation of the fantastic attractions in the area.

Also, having two children, Maddy and Caity (I would be in trouble if I didn’t mention them), we often visit the following places: Walby Farm Park, Muncaster Castle, La’al Ratty, The Beacon, The Pencil Museum and Puzzling Place in Keswick.

All are children-friendly and great fun.

If you were recommending Cumbria to a friend, where would you tell them to go, and what would you tell them to do?

I often have friends come and stay with me in Cumbria and, for the beautiful scenery, Wasdale is a favourite of mine. A trip to Wasdale tied in with a few hours at Muncaster one day. Then a day in Keswick to see the views, the town and to visit The Pencil Museum and Puzzling Place. If they have children a trip to Walby Farm Park would have to be squeezed in too.

What is your best Cumbrian memory?

My first day at work in Cumbria and not being able to follow a conversation between two locals resulting in me buying a dialect book and trying to learn Cumbrian.

I have been told that I can now speak the words of Cumbrian but with a posh accent!

First published at 10:38, Saturday, 18 February 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk