A NETWORKING event reflecting on the first year of an historic change in Cumbria's governance structure will take place this month, with a line-up of some of the key players who have navigated the county through the changes.

Newsquest's in-Cumbria business magazine is hosting the event - The Unitary Councils, One Year On - at North Lakes Hotel and Spa in Penrith, on Friday, April 19 from 9am.

There will be networking before a Q&A with the panel at 9.30am and further opportunities to mingle from around 10.45am.

Networkers will hear from senior leaders from the Cumberland authority and the Westmorland and Furness authority, reflecting on the past year since the formation of the councils and how the two bodies have worked with businesses, as well as exploring what the future holds.

The local government reform process has been an historic event for the county and the team at in-Cumbria magazine is looking forward to welcoming representatives from the two councils to the panel event.

Speaking at the event will be:

  • Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council
  • Darren Crossley, Director of Place, Sustainable Growth and Transport at Cumberland Council
  • Alison Hatcher, Assistant Chief Executive at Westmorland and Furness Council
  • Patricia Bell, Deputy Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council.

The event will be hosted by Newsquest Cumbria regional editor, Joy Yates who will discuss a broad range of topics with the panel before opening the floor to networkers for a question and answer session.

Joy said: "The last year has been a historical one for Cumbria with the reorganisation of local government creating a new path for all aspects of society throughout the county.

"I look forward to hearing from some of the key figures leading this reorganisation talk about how these changes have had an affect on the business community in this first year, and hear about the plans for the future.

"As always we look forward to giving our attendees the chance to ask our expert panel questions and encourage debate with businesses across the county."

This is a free event and spaces are limited, you can sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eZqVG56V