Over the past 40 years, The Cumberland and Phil Johnston have built a partnership to help shape tourism in the Coniston area and beyond.
Phil is the owner of several properties which include The Coppermines Mountain Cottages. He also owns The Coppermines and Lakes Cottages which operates as a holiday letting agency, managing over 90 self-catering properties and the Coppermines Valley wedding venue.
He is one of the building society’s longest-standing business customers and with its support, the business has grown steadily over the years, developing into one of Cumbria’s most distinctive tourism enterprises.
A standout collaboration between Phil and The Cumberland was the transformation of several derelict mining buildings into a rustic wedding venue for up to 250 guests with overnight accommodation for 22 guests, outdoor spaces with hot tubs and restored historical features, with one venue including one of the largest waterwheels in the North of England.
Phil said: “The Cumberland have helped us many times, particularly with the restoration of the water wheel, which has become a major attraction.
“People have seen it from a distance when they have been out walking and it’s piqued their interest – then they come to see it up close, and there’s been quite a few occasions where they have decided to get married here after getting engaged at the top of Coniston Old Man, overlooking the valley.
“The Cumberland’s understanding of the hospitality sector and willingness to back ambitious, community-focused projects have played a pivotal role in growing the business.
“Their approach to banking goes beyond transactions, they truly care about people and communities.”
The partnership has supported Phil in weathering numerous potential crises. In 2001 during the foot-and-mouth outbreak and during the Covid-19 pandemic, The Cumberland proactively offered Phil a mortgage holiday on his properties to alleviate the pressure on his business.
“Their exact words were: ‘our shoulders are broader than yours,’” Phil said. “It’s this kind of support that makes The Cumberland more than just a financial partner.”
The strength of the partnership stems from Phil’s passion for the Lake District, which he discovered in his 20s when he moved to the area from Cheshire.
As well as becoming a local entrepreneur, driving business and economic growth across the region, Phil has served on the board of Cumbria Tourism and has also developed the Coppermines Conservation Area.
The rewilding scheme sits on 65 acres of land which is open to the public and has seen over 4,000 indigenous trees planted.
The Coppermines Lakes Cottages also further cements its roots in the community by supporting Coniston Mountain Rescue Team and the Fix the Fells initiative.
Most recently, capital raised through Coppermines has enabled Phil to develop The Bluebird Car & Coach Park, a Coppermines initiative in Coniston, next to the Ruskin Museum, which houses world water speed record hydroplane Bluebird K7.
Georgie McRoberts, commercial relationship manager at The Cumberland, works closely with Phil.
She said: “His passion for the area is unbelievable. He is constantly thinking of the next project which will enrich the community.
“We’re thrilled to have built such a strong relationship with Phil over the years and we have been a part of some fantastic and ambitious projects – ones which we are able to say ‘yes’ to because we trust his vision for supporting the county.”
