Sixteen new board members and a chair have been appointed to the recently formed Enterprising Cumbria economic growth board.
Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council launched Enterprising Cumbria in July.
Enterprising Cumbria will take on the function and purpose of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership and aims to provide a powerful voice for a diverse array of businesses and organisations across the county to support inclusive economic growth, investing in skills, and promoting Cumbria as a great place to live, work, and do business.
The opportunity to be part of the economic growth board was made available this summer.
David Beeby, the new chair, said: “I am delighted to take on the role of chair for this newly formed organisation that will bring the voice of Cumbria wide businesses and organisations to work with both councils on inclusive growth initiatives that benefit the people and place of Cumbria.
“It is an exciting time ahead as we help to develop and deliver an Economic Strategy for the area whilst continuing to deliver a wide range of programmes that assist businesses with skills development, business improvement and productivity issues.”
Lead members from both Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council have supported the development of the new Enterprising Cumbria, which will be delivering on the priorities of both councils, businesses and our residents over the next few months.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Mark Fryer, said: “This is an exciting time for Cumbria, and I am delighted that we have a new economic growth board in place. I welcome them all and thank them for committing their time to help us develop and grow Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness’s economies. We want to make the most of the wealth of opportunities our region offers.”
Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, added: “Growing and supporting our economy is a top priority for us all and these new board appointments mark the start of an exciting time to support businesses across the whole of the county.
“The new growth board provides a forum where members can really shape and influence economic growth in our area and the work of Enterprising Cumbria, making our area a really great place to live, work and thrive. I am delighted to be able to welcome our newly appointed Board members as part of the overall team.”
Enterprising Cumbria is led by Isobel Brown, who started in her role as programme director earlier this summer.
The new board is:
- Mark Bowman, CEO, Inspira
- Matt Bratton, regional director, CBI
- Lisa Bridgewater, COO, iCan Wellbeing Group
- Suzanne Caldwell. MD, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce
- Mike Christia, innovation broker, Digital Dairy Chain
- Jennifer Cormack, sales and marketing director, Windemere Lake Cruises
- Louise Firby, head of group, Sellafield Ltd
- Janet Garner, future workforce director, BAE Systems
- Nicky Gordon, MD, Genesis Homes
- Gill Haigh, MD, Cumbria Tourism
- Craig Hatch, divisional president, Tetra Tech
- Barry Leahey, president, Playdale Playgrounds
- Sarah McGrath, principal, Carlisle College
- Julie Mennell, vice chancellor and CEO, University of Cumbria
- Chris Nattress, principal and CEO, Lakes College
- Nabil Subuh, CEO, Westmorland Family Ltd
