Plans are being finalised for Cumbria’s presence at an event which it’s hoped will stimulate more investment in the region.
The UK Real Estate and Investment and Infrastructure Forum known as UKREiiF is taking place in Leeds next month.
Billed as the UK’s leading real estate, infrastructure and investment event Cumbria will be well represented and comes at a time when the county’s new fledgling combined authority is developing a presence which it’s hoped will pay off when it comes to attracting the attention of delegates.
“We’ve a good story to tell – St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, Pioneer Park and Team Barrow not to mention the Tour de France coming here next year,” Tom Andrew, the Deputy Programme Director for Cumbria Combined Authority, told Business Crack.
Olympic champion Sir Bradley Wiggins will play a leading role with the Tour de France winner helping shine a national spotlight on the county’s growth ambitions and major investment opportunities.
The three-day forum is said to attract over 16,000 delegates including over 4,000 investors and developers.
Cumbria will have a pavilion which it is hoped will bring together investors, developers, policymakers and industry leaders to explore the county’s development pipeline, strategic sectors and long‑term economic vision.
Delivered by Cumbria Combined Authority, Enterprising Cumbria, Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, for Tom, it is an opportunity to spell out what Cumbria can offer with the advantage of having experience gained within central government.
Now living in Ambleside he and his family came to Cumbria last summer, fresh from working in central government and enjoying a ringside seat observing the ideas behind devolution. Mr Andrew was keen to work in an area like Cumbria to support the local delivery of the ideas and aims of the process.
“There is a risk of being overlooked and forgotten about, despite the exciting things that are happening here,” Tom told Business Crack.
“Recruitment remains an issue but by attending events like REiff we can showcase the opportunities that exist in the defence and nuclear sector as well as others.”
Last year the former Cumbrian MP Rory Stewart was among flag-wavers for the county at the event. Commenting afterwards some business leaders were keen to hear what concrete benefits came from attending it.
Yet with major uncertainties across the world and very vocal, established metro mayors closer to home, the combined authority’s Tom says it is vital that Cumbria is represented at events like this.
“There is an element of competitiveness but we do also look to work together to complement other areas of the north,” he said.
“By making the most of our anchor institutions Cumbria will be able to collaborate so we all benefit. The world is changing but with change comes opportunities.”
The event takes place from May 19 to May 21.
