Welcome to Enterprising Cumbria

Our 2025/26 Cumbria Accelerator programme is now open. Fully-funded business support and expert advice for your business. Contact lucy.johnson@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk to get involved.

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Isobel Brown

Isobel Brown
Enterprising Cumbria Programme Director

"Enterprising Cumbria is the newly established body working to boost economic development across the county of Cumbria, supported by our two local authorities Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council.
Enterprising Cumbria will be at the forefront of activities to drive forward our regional economy, working to support the objectives of our local authorities, businesses and local people, to make sure that Cumbria is seen as a great place to live and work.
We have a remit to provide the voice of the business community and take a lead on strategic activity to keep our businesses on the front foot and ensure that we grow our economy and the prosperity of all who live and work in our county.
We will also deliver programmes of activity which will help us achieve our strategic aims, whether they be business support activities to help our business community innovate and grow; or skills activities to help upskill our current workforce or ensure an enthusiastic and ambitious workforce of tomorrow."
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David Beeby

David Beeby
Enterprising Cumbria Growth Board Chair

"I am delighted to have been appointed as the inaugural Chair of Enterprising Cumbria and look forward to playing my part in helping to drive forward our county’s economic performance.
Having been involved in the regional business scene for a number of years I am keen to give back and help to ensure that Enterprising Cumbria and the Economic Growth Board can make a significant impact on our future prosperity.
While we have some challenges in economic terms as a predominantly rural county, we also have some fantastic resources and growth platforms which can help to catalyse our future development.
Through our Economic Growth Board we have a fantastic opportunity to start to make inroads into efforts to boost our productivity and take our economic performance to the next level.
I look forward to playing my part and bringing together a coalition of partners all committed to Cumbria for a shared and prosperous future."
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Economic Growth Strategy on a table

A new vision for Cumbria’s economy

The new Cumbria Economic Strategy has now been published, setting out a bold and collaborative vision to drive sustainable growth across the county.

Developed with input from local authorities, businesses and key partners, the strategy identifies priority areas for investment, innovation and opportunity.

This important document will help shape the future of our local economy, supporting job creation, business growth and community prosperity. 

Whether you're an employer, investor or policymaker, the strategy offers a clear roadmap for working together to unlock Cumbria’s potential.

Read the Cumbria Economic Strategy here.

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Economic Growth Strategy on a table

 

Going for Growth: Cumbria’s New Economic Strategy Published

26 June 2025

Click here to read more.

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UKREiiF photo collage decorative only

 

Enterprising Cumbria champions investment opportunities at UKREiiF 2025

30 May 2025

Click here to read more.

Meet the team

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Isobel Brown

Isobel Brown, Programme Director 
isobel.brown@cumberland.gov.uk 

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Alistair Craig

Alistair Craig, Net Zero Programme Manager  
alistair.craig@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk 

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Cath Dutton

Cath Dutton, Strategic Careers Lead  
cath.dutton@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk 

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Paul Foster

Paul Foster, Head of Programmes  
paul.foster@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk 

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Lucy Johnson

Lucy Johnson, Programme Administrator  
lucy.johnson@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk 

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Sarah Jones

Sarah Jones, Skills Bootcamp Programme Manager  
sarah.jones@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk 

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Kelly McAlone

Kelly McAlone, Skills Bootcamp Programme Lead  
kelly.mcalone@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk 

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Mandy Morland

Mandy Morland, Careers & Enterprise Co-Ordinator  
mandy.morland@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk 

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Jon Power

Jon Power, Internationalisation Manager  
jon.power@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk  

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Leslie Rickerby

Leslie Rickerby, Business Support Programmes Manager 
leslie.rickerby@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk  

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Jennie Stein

Jennie Stein, Head of Clean Energy  
jennie.stein@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk 

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Jo Tate

Jo Tate, Careers Hub Operational Hub Lead  
jo.tate@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk 

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Brian White

Brian White, Clean Energy Project Manager  
brian.white@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk 

Our Board

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Meeting room
NAME SURNAME ROLE COMPANY
Mark Bowman CEO Inspira
Matt Bratton Regional Director CBI
Lisa Bridgewater Chief Operating Officer iCan Wellbeing Group
Suzanne Caldwell Managing Director Cumbria Chamber of Commerce
Mike Christian Innovation Broker Digital Dairy Chain
Jennifer Cormack Sales and Marketing Director Windemere Lake Cruises
Louise Firby Head of Group Business Services & Training Sellafield Ltd
Janet Garner Future Workforce Director BAE Systems
Nicky Gordon Managing Director Genesis Homes
Gill Haigh Managing Director Cumbria Tourism
Craig Hatch Divisional President Tetra Tech
Barry Leahey President Playdale Playgrounds Ltd
Sarah McGrath Principal Carlisle College
Julie Mennell Vice Chancellor and CEO University of Cumbria
Chris Nattress Principal and CEO Lakes College
Nabil Subuh CEO Westmorland Family Ltd