An event to connect local businesses and suppliers with opportunities linked to the development of a state-of-the-art enterprise campus for West Cumbria has taken place.
The Meet the Buyer session – organised by the Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH), Cumberland Council and Morgan Sindall – highlighted a long-term commitment to engage nearby businesses with the construction programme for the iSH Enterprise Campus, at Leconfield Estate, in Cleator Moor.
Plans for the development of the building, as well as its associated timelines, were shared with those attending on Monday, November 11, while the areas of capability and skills still required were also revealed.
Suppliers were then invited to talk to team members at Morgan Sindall about the process of joining the supply chain with advice and help on hand to guide people through the steps involved. It is hoped social enterprises will also become part of the delivery programme to help amplify its social impact and value.
Gary McKeating, managing director of iSH, said: “We want to make sure local firms are aware of the opportunities that exist in the construction and development of the Enterprise Campus building itself, to leverage fully the social and economic value the programme is able to provide.
“Seeing so many firms represented at this event is excellent and shows the ambition and energy that exists in every sector in West Cumbria. I hope as many as possible follow the process to become part of the supply chain.”
Cleator Moor Town Deal is working with Cumberland Council to deliver the Enterprise Campus at Leconfield as part of a £50 million economic regeneration initiative led by Cumberland Council with funding and support from the Government through Cleator Moor Town Deal and Levelling Up programmes.
Additional funding has been provided by strategic partners including the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Sellafield Ltd and Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.
Once completed, the Enterprise Campus will form part of a wider regeneration programme being delivered across West Cumbria by iSH which is focused on the delivery of economic growth opportunities around robotics, AI and advanced engineering and manufacturing.
Mark Fryer, the leader of Cumberland Council, said: “This is an exciting project that will harness a wide range of benefits and opportunities for the area going forward.
“I’m very proud that the project has reached the stage where local firms and suppliers with the expertise and skills required can step forward to play a part in its construction – and events like this play a crucial part in making that happen.”
