Cumbria Economic Summit 2008 THE first ever Cumbria Economic Summit has delivered an upbeat message on the future of the County’s economy. Cumbria Vision’s Chief Executive Richard Greenwood and Chairman Roger Liddle delivered rousing speeches that urged the public and private sector in Cumbria to join forces and build a stronger and more prosperous economy. Around 250 delegates from Cumbria and the North West gathered at Rheged Visitors Centre, in Penrith yesterday (Wednesday, April 9) for the event – which was staged by Cumbria Vision in conjunction with Invest in Cumbria. The day also included presentations on Cumbria’s key industry sectors; an inspirational speech from Olympic Gold Medallist Sally Gunnell OBE; and an exhibition featuring more than 30 organisations. Richard Greenwood said: “The summit was a great success and truly got across the message that Cumbria is open for business. “Cumbria’s economy is beginning turn a corner after years of underperformance but there is a lot of work to do. The summit was designed to inspire Cumbria to step up to the plate and work together because at the end of the day we all want the same thing – a County with a strong economy that is a great place to live, work, relax and visit.” Roger Liddle , Chairman of Cumbria Vision, added : “We have got to be less modest about our strengths, because we have many strengths that are of great significance regionally, nationally and internationally too. “The Lake District is a tourist gem with a superb reputation across the world. But in order to do this we have to play a part on grappling with climate change – something which I believe also presents us with a great opportunity. We can play a part by addressing the need for nuclear power as part of the energy mix together with the need for other forms of renewable and clean energy production. “These strengths present us with massive opportunities for growth and something that we all want – a strong economy for Cumbria.”
Roger Liddle rallies the crowd
Roger also dismissed the belief that geography was a hindrance for Cumbria and said it should be viewed as an opportunity. He said that Cumbria should do more to capitalise on its position between Manchester and Liverpool in the North West; Newcastle and North East; Scotland and Northern Ireland – all areas which were receiving significant investment and boasted improving economies. He added: “We are at the very centre of some of the most successful areas of Great Britain and therefore we have huge potential to become suppliers and distributors to them. The potential can already been seen with the success of Eddie Stobbarts.” Delegates at the summit were treated to a series of speeches and videos celebrating success in Cumbria’s key industry sectors. Ian Hudson, Technology and Skills Manager, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority presented on Energy & Environmental Technology; Paul Myerscough, Managing Director, James Walker & Co Ltd on Specialist Manufacturing; and Euan Cartwirght, Cultural Services Consultant for Euan Cartwright Ltd spoke on Digital, Culture & Creative. Johan Hoving, Owner of activity provider RiverDeepMountainHigh spoke on Outdoors; Peter Allen, of NFU Cumbria and a Board member of the Northwest Regional Development Agency spoke on Food and Drink; Ian Stephens, Chief Executive, Cumbria Tourism spoke on the tourism industry and Chris Carr, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cumbria spoke on skills.
Ian Hudson, Technology and Skills Manager, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
Sally Gunnell OBE, the first woman hurdler to hold Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European titles simultaneously, delivered a motivation speech detailing how self belief is key to success, whether on the track or in the world of business. In the afternoon delegates wandered around more than 30 exhibition stands showcasing public sector agencies such as Business Link and the West Cumbria Development Agency; to educational and training facilities and businesses that ranged from the nuclear industry to cheese manufacturing. 
Say Cheese! The Lake District Cheese Company at the exhibition and networking lunch
Rheged in Penrith proved the perfect venue for the summit
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