More than 40 Cumbrian organisations showcased opportunities the region has to offer at an economic showcase event at the Houses of Parliament this week.
More than 110 people attended Cumbria’s Going for Growth Showcase, held on Wednesday.
Political leaders, investors and industry representatives gathered together at the event, designed to unlock the county’s next chapter of growth.
It brought together MPs, national policymakers, senior civil servants, investors and business leaders to champion Cumbria as a nationally significant destination for investment.
The event was hosted by Josh MacAlister, Whitehaven and Workington MP, and delivered by Enterprising Cumbria in partnership with Cumbria Combined Authority, and Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness councils.
Supported by public and private sector partners, the showcase promoted the Cumbria Going for Growth Strategy – a long-term plan positioning the county as open for investment, partnership and sustainable prosperity.
The event highlighted 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.
Representatives from key Cumbrian businesses and organisations joined partners and stakeholders to demonstrate the scale of opportunity across the county.
David Beeby, chair of Enterprising Cumbria, said: “The showcase proved that Cumbria is ready to play a leading role in the UK’s growth story.
“It provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with policymakers, investors and potential partners about the scale of our ambition and the strength of our priority sectors – from defence and advanced manufacturing to clean energy and thriving places.
“Backed by a clear, long-term strategy and as we move towards a Combined Mayoral Authority, Cumbria is ready to partner, invest and deliver – and we look forward to continuing the conversations started yesterday at UKREiiF 2026.”
The programme featured an introductory address from Mr MacAlister, 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.
The Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation, Blair MacDougall also spoke alongside Mr Beeby and Isobel Brown, of Enterprising Cumbria, and John Barradell, the interim chief executive of Cumbria Combined Authority.
The event was also the launch of the Cumbria Talent Force by Future Generation representatives, Lettie Wareing and Jonny Winter.
Mr MacAlister said: “It was a pleasure to host Cumbria’s Going for Growth Showcase in Parliament and bring together partners from across the county with national policymakers and investors.
“Cumbria has an incredible story to tell – from our world-leading strengths in civil and defence nuclear and advanced manufacturing to our natural assets, farming heritage and thriving communities.
“Events like this demonstrate the scale of ambition across Cumbria and the strength of collaboration between our councils, businesses and partners. By working together and championing our region on the national stage, we can unlock new investment, create high-quality jobs and ensure Cumbria plays a central role in the UK’s future economic growth.”
Mr Barradell added: “The event showed exactly what Cumbria is capable of. The energy in the room, the commitment from our partners and the interest from national decision‑makers made it clear that people are starting to see Cumbria in a new light. We’re not just talking about potential anymore, we’re demonstrating it.
“This was a big step in putting Cumbria on the national and international radar, and we’re going to keep that momentum going as we head towards UKREiiF and beyond.
“Cumbria is ambitious, confident and ready to deliver, and it’s great to see that message landing so strongly.”
Cumbria Day will be followed up with a high-profile showcase at the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), which is set to take place between May 19 and May 21 in Leeds.
Mr Fryer said: “The Going for Growth Showcase brought local authorities, businesses and partners together to show the scale of opportunity across Cumbria. We have lots to offer and events of this type highlight our ambition for growth.
“Cumbria Day formed the centrepiece of a campaign to position Cumbria as a nationally significant investment destination, building on the bold vision and evidence base of the Going for Growth Strategy. It supports strategic engagement with national decision-makers, investors and influencers and drives momentum towards UKREiiF 2026.”
Mr Brook added: “Taking our offer to the heart of government for Cumbria Day in Westminster was a great success. This was underlined and highlighted by the number of decision makers and people of influence who gave up their time to attend and were interested to find out more about the significant opportunities and bold vision we all share for Cumbria.
“The message is really landing that Cumbria is a strategic, investable, delivery-focused region. The conversations and discussion had today will continue and bring significant benefits to Westmorland and Furness and Cumbria as a whole.”
