More than 40 organisations recently came together to showcase Cumbria at an event in the Houses of Parliament this week.
The event, titled Cumbria’s Going for Growth Showcase, took place in London on Wednesday, March 4.
Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, hosted the event, which was delivered by Enterprising Cumbria in partnership with the Cumbria Combined Authority, Cumberland Council, and Westmorland and Furness Council.
More than 110 attendees, including political leaders, investors, and industry representatives, were in attendance.
David Beeby, chair of Enterprising Cumbria, said: "The showcase proved that Cumbria is ready to play a leading role in the UK’s growth story.
"It provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with policymakers, investors and potential partners about the scale of our ambition and the strength of our priority sectors – from defence and advanced manufacturing to clean energy and thriving places."
The showcase focused on six sectors for supporting Cumbria’s growth.
These included defence and advanced manufacturing, thriving places, transport and infrastructure, clean and green innovation.
Also skills and employability, and visitor economy, natural assets and food and drink.
John Barradell, Interim Chief Executive of the Cumbria Combined Authority, said: "The event showed exactly what Cumbria is capable of.
"The energy in the room, the commitment from our partners and the interest from national decision‑makers made it clear that people are starting to see Cumbria in a new light."
Mr MacAlister began the programme with an introductory address, followed by speeches from Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, and Councillor Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council.
Blair MacDougall, minister for small business and economic transformation, also addressed attendees alongside Mr Beeby and Isobel Brown of Enterprising Cumbria.
Mr MacAlister said: "It was a pleasure to host Cumbria’s Going for Growth Showcase in Parliament.
"Cumbria has an incredible story to tell – from our world-leading strengths in civil and defence nuclear and advanced manufacturing to our natural assets, farming heritage and thriving communities."
The event concluded with the launch of Cumbria Talent Force.
Cumbria Day will be followed by another major showcase at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), which will take place in Leeds from May 19 to 21.
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