One of Cumbria's most successful businessmen has shared his story with Carlisle's professional community.

Malcolm Wilson, who runs world rally team and constructor M-Sport, was invited to the event held at Carlisle Youth Zone, to talk about how his career has developed.

The former rally driver told the 70-strong audience about the beginnings of M-Sport and how he built it into a world-beating international business from its base in Dovenby Hall, near Cockermouth.

The event was sponsored by law firm Baines Wilson LLP.

He told the audience about the benefits and challenges of creating and running M-Sport in Cumbria and how he as determined that M-Sport should not be based anywhere else.

A £25 million testing centre at the M-Sport complex is on track to be open next autumn.

Northern Developments (Cumbria) Ltd completed the first phase of the project at Dovenby Hall in December.

The evaluation centre is a technical facility which M-Sport hopes will help it to move into the wider automotive sector and attract mainstream motor manufacturers looking for a cutting-edge facility to design and test new technology.

It is hoped the centre will create around 100 jobs and it was given £1.3 million from Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership earlier this year.

Tom Scaife, partner at Baines Wilson, conducted a question-and-answer session with Mr Wilson during the event,

He said: “Carlisle Youth Zone provides a vital facility for the city and these types of event are important to encourage support from the wider business community.

"It was fascinating to learn about Malcolm’s experiences as both a rally driver and businessman. Malcolm’s story is an inspiration for young entrepreneurs in the county and beyond.”

Lynsey Buckle, of Carlisle Youth Zone, added: “It was another great breakfast event at the youth Zone. Huge thanks to Baines Wilson LLP for sponsoring our business breakfast again and to Malcolm Wilson for taking his time to share his story with us."

Following the event, six new patrons signed up to Carlisle Youth Zone.

They have pledged their support to the Youth Zone through a monthly financial contribution and by being involved with the programmes and events that the Youth Zone provide for the city’s young people.

Lynsey added: "A huge warm Carlisle Youth Zone welcome to the six new patrons who signed up to support Carlisle's young people as a result of the business breakfast.

"We could not continue to support our city’s young people without the support of local businesses.”

Carlisle Youth Zone aims to develop and fulfil the potential of young people within the Carlisle community.