A leading Cumbrian business organisation is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster was set up in 2003 by six firms in Sellafield’s supply chain, which wanted to stay informed about what was happening in West Cumbria and do business together.
Twenty years later, it is a forum for hundreds of firms across the region and is celebrating 11 per cent growth in membership.
Dianne Richardson, the cluster’s chief executive, said: “We have seen unprecedented growth this year, across sectors and business sizes, welcoming new members every month. In addition, our members are more engaged than ever. I don’t say this lightly.
“Looking over the last year, we have seen more members involved in our sector groups and show cases and a high level of engagement in terms of participation during member meetings. This is great news, not just for us, but for members and our business community here in Cumbria and a wonderful way to start 2023, which
is also our 20th anniversary year!”
Jutta Devenish, the cluster’s PR consultant, added: “A lot of the growth is down to the very personal engagement of the cluster’s leadership team, from the
CEO to the board of directors and the shadow board.
“Organisations like BECBC who leverage the fact that they have a diverse team of people who are committed to adding value to their stakeholders will always be attractive to others.
“We can see this in person through the energy in the room at the member meetings, we can see this in team meetings, and we can see this online
via the cluster’s website and social media channels.
“People who know BECBC, and more importantly, know the team behind it, enjoy engaging with the cluster and want to be part of the conversation. Ultimately, they want to be part of real conversations and real business opportunities throughout the region.”
The organisation said at its heart was collaboration for the purpose of good business and value for customers and the wider community.
The cluster has over 250 members involved in almost 30 sectors.
