Enterprising Cumbria board members announced

Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council were thrilled to announce the launch of Enterprising Cumbria in July and the announcement about the Growth Board, continues to deliver on the importance of the business and third sector voice across Cumbria.

Enterprising Cumbria will take on the function and purpose of the previous Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) and will provide a powerful voice for a diverse array of businesses and organisations across the Cumbrian footprint, in supporting inclusive economic growth, investing in skills, and promoting Cumbria as a great place to live, work, and do business.

The opportunity to be part of the Economic Growth Board was made available this summer and sixteen Board members, alongside the Chair, have been appointed.  

David Beeby, the new Chair of the Enterprising Cumbria Growth Board said:

“I am delighted to take on the role of Chair for this newly formed organisation that will bring the voice of Cumbria wide businesses and organisations to work with both councils on inclusive growth initiatives that benefit the people and place of Cumbria.  It is an exciting time ahead as we help to develop and deliver an Economic Strategy for the area whilst continuing to deliver a wide range of programmes that assist businesses with skills development, business improvement and productivity issues.  I’m looking forward to our inaugural Board meeting in September.”

Lead Members from both Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council have supported the development of the new Enterprising Cumbria, which will be delivering on the priorities of both councils, businesses and our residents over the next few months. 

Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, welcomed the appointment of the new Board members and Chair. He said: 

“This is an exciting time for Cumbria, and I am delighted that we have a new Economic Growth Board in place. I welcome them all and thank them for committing their time to help us develop and grow Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness’s economies. We want to make the most of the wealth of opportunities our region offers.”

Cllr Jonathan Brook, the Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, added:

“Growing and supporting our economy is a top priority for us all and these new Board appointments mark the start of an exciting time to support businesses across the whole of the county. The new Growth Board provides a forum where they can really shape and influence economic growth in our area and the work of Enterprising Cumbria. Making our area really great place to live, work and thrive and I am delighted to be able to welcome our newly appointed Board members as part of the overall team.”

Enterprising Cumbria is led by Isobel Brown, who started in her role as Programme Director earlier this summer.

The Growth Board members are: