Around 180 industry leaders, national and local government representatives and international guests gathered last night to celebrate Professor John Fyfe's appointment as inaugural honorary patron of Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster.

The event, at the Hunday Manor Hotel, near Workington, also heard from key figures in the nuclear and technology sector about the opportunities for creating wealth and prosperity for the region.

Prof Fyfe CBE has over 30 years of experience in energy policy, economic development and partnership working among businesses and communities.

He believes that Cumbria is at a crossroads and needs to be shouting about its expertise and potential.

He said: “This crossroads is about much more than just the prospect of a new build power station.

"Sellafield is already a world leader in decommissioning.

"The supply chain in Cumbria is renowned for its research and development and its practical experience of storing and handling nuclear waste.

"There’s already a tremendous reputation worldwide within the industry and Cumbria now needs to make sure that UK government, international investors and others around the world know about it too, exporting that know how and creating Cumbrian prosperity."

The keynote speaker for the evening was David Peattie, appointed chief executive of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority last year.

He said: “Being invited to speak at Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster is a fantastic chance to reflect on my time as CEO so far, as well as why I am proud to call West Cumbria my home.

“Our mission of cleaning up the UK’s nuclear legacy presents one of the most difficult and technical challenges in the world. We can only succeed together and our work is dependent on partnership between our sites, the supply chain, with government and regulators, and crucially our communities.

"As CEO of the NDA I recognise how important the strong partnership between the nuclear industry and local business is to the area and the vital role the Business Cluster plays in this.

"I’d like to congratulate Prof Fyfe on being made honorary patron of the business cluster and thank him for his tireless work on behalf of West Cumbria.”

Later today, BECBC members will meet at Energus for the organisation’s AGM, including a key note address by former government minister Hazel Blears.