Politicians and investors will get to hear more about Cumbria at an event aimed at showcasing the opportunities on offer in the county to be held in London next week.
“We want to shout outside Cumbria,” Paul Foster, Enterprising Cumbria’s head of programmes told Business Crack as preparations continue for the gathering to be held in the Palace of Westminster.
Cumbria’s Going for Growth Showcase, on Wednesday, March 4, will bring together MPs, national policymakers, senior civil servants, investors and business leaders to champion Cumbria as a nationally significant destination for investment.
BAE Systems and Sellafield along with a host of other companies based in the county and representatives from sectors including tourism will be promoting the variety of businesses and opportunities on offer in Cumbria.
The event is being hosted by Josh MacAlister MP for Workington and Whitehaven and delivered by Enterprising Cumbria in partnership with Cumbria Combined Authority, Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness councils.
The showcase will promote the ambitious Cumbria Going for Growth Strategy – a long-term plan positioning the county as open for investment, partnership and sustainable prosperity.
The event will highlight six priority sectors central to Cumbria’s economic future:
- Defence and Advanced Manufacturing – building on Cumbria’s critical role in national defence, robotics and AI innovation.
- Thriving Places – creating inclusive, vibrant towns and communities with the infrastructure to support expansion.
- Transport and Infrastructure – improving connectivity and digital networks to unlock productivity.
- Clean, Green Innovation – leading the transition in clean energy, decarbonisation and sustainability.
- Skills and Employability – aligning workforce development with industry demand and future opportunities.
- Visitor Economy, Natural Assets and Food & Drink – maximising natural capital and strengthening Cumbria’s regional brand.
David Beeby, Chair of Enterprising Cumbria, said: “Cumbria Day in Westminster gives us a powerful platform to share the ambition set out in our Going for Growth strategy – a clear, long-term vision for sustainable, inclusive prosperity that harnesses the county’s world-leading strengths, outstanding natural assets and enterprise potential.
“This strategy is more than a plan – it’s a call to action. By showcasing what Cumbria has to offer – from innovation in advanced manufacturing and clean energy to thriving towns, skills and infrastructure – we are inviting investors, business leaders and policymakers to be part of the next chapter in our growth story.”
The programme will feature an introductory address from Mr MacAlister with speeches from Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council and Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, underlining the importance of Cumbria’s contribution to the UK economy.
Mr MacAlister said: “Cumbria has always played a vital role in our national story – from defence and advanced manufacturing to clean energy and food production – and we are ready to build on that legacy.
“Cumbria Day in Westminster is about demonstrating that ours is not a peripheral economy, but a nationally significant one. We have the sector strengths, the natural assets and, crucially, the partnership approach needed to deliver long-term, inclusive growth.
“By bringing together investors, policymakers and business leaders, we are sending a clear message: Cumbria is ambitious, co-ordinated and open for investment.
“Working together across councils, industry and government, we can unlock the next chapter of opportunity for our communities and make an even greater contribution to the UK’s economic future.”
John Barradell OBE, interim chief executive of the Cumbria Combined Authority, added: “Cumbria has a huge amount to offer, not just to the UK but to the wider world. We’re already leading in areas like clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence, and there’s real global interest in the work happening here.
“Cumbria Day in Westminster is our chance to show that we’re serious about growth, serious about partnership and ready to step onto the international stage with confidence. This is about backing our people, our places and our potential – and making sure everyone knows what Cumbria can deliver.”
“We are keen to promote the vast array of opportunities that Cumbria has to offer to potential investors as well as politicians,” Mr Foster added.
The event will also be used as a ‘soft launch’ of the county’s new combined authority which came into existence earlier this week.
The countdown is also on for the annual Real Estate and Infrastructure Forum known as UKREiiF where Cumbria will also be exhibiting.
The event, to be held in Leeds in May, will also act as a platform to promote development opportunities in Cumbria to a wider audience.
