Shining a light on Cumbria’s shared ambitions for growth
With shared ambitions for regional growth, the University of Cumbria and Enterprising Cumbria are shining a spotlight on the county’s new economic strategy.
Enterprising Cumbria’s ‘Going for Growth: Cumbria’s Economic Strategy 2025-2045’ aims to reset Cumbria’s economic narrative, setting out the county’s priorities for growth and innovation over the next 20 years.
The draft document, recently approved by senior members of Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils, comes as the University of Cumbria starts to refresh its own Towards 2030 strategic plan which aims to drive forward higher education and skills for the region and beyond.
The university has already expanded its academic areas of interest and provision, is building a new campus in Barrow that will welcome its first students later this year, has plans for a £78.7m project to transform Carlisle’s Citadels area into a new city centre campus, and is opening in August 2025 the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine in partnership with Imperial College London.
Whilst consultation continues until 13 April on proposals for devolved powers for Cumbria, David Beeby DL, chairman of Enterprising Cumbria – the county’s Economic Growth Board – has visited the University of Cumbria to inform its board of directors of the county’s renewed focus and opportunities for growth, highlighting how the institution will play a pivotal role.
Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell DL said: “We are focused, as Cumbria’s university, on helping to address our region’s demand for high-level skills, workforce and business growth and addressing inequalities.
“With a new economic strategy for Cumbria and devolution on the table it is important that the university of Cumbria is actively playing its part in delivering Cumbria's ambitions.
“Therefore, we’re delighted to have David as Chair of the Cumbria Economic Growth Board present to our board of directors, as we refresh our own Towards 2030 strategy, and push forward together with our shared ambitions for growth.”
Mr Beeby (pictured) said: “It’s been a pleasure to attend the University of Cumbria board meeting and outline the devolution plans and key strategic priorities for the county. The university is a vital asset in our county and will play an essential role in developing the skills required for our future.
“Establishing a Mayor is of vital importance for Cumbria. The Cumbria Economic Growth Board is unanimously supportive because the devolved powers will mean more decisions will be made in Cumbria for Cumbria. We believe some of the basic building blocks for inclusive economic development for the good of the people and places in Cumbria will only be achieved through the powerful presence of a Mayor.”
Notes to editors
NOTES TO EDITORS
- Image caption: (l-r) Martin Williams, chair, University of Cumbria (UoC) board of directors; Enterprising Cumbria chairman David Beeby; and UoC Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Brian Webster-Henderson OBE
- Going for Growth: Cumbria’s Economic Strategy 2025-2045 looks to build upon the county’s world-leading strengths in areas such as nuclear, energy, defence, visitor economy and its outstanding assets while addressing barriers to productivity and showing what the county has to offer as a major contributor to UK growth and industry strategies. Significant investment is already being seen in the county - leading to the UK’s next generation of nuclear deterrent, £250 million investment in town growth and regeneration; a £4.9 million investment in a new nuclear robotics and AI cluster of which the University of Cumbria is a key partner; and new plutonium immobilisation facility to support thousands of skilled jobs.
- For interview/filming requests – email news@cumbria.ac.uk or phone 01228 279360.
About Enterprising Cumbria
Enterprising Cumbria has taken on the function and purpose of the previous Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) and provides a powerful voice for a diverse array of businesses across the Cumbrian footprint, in supporting economic growth, investing in skills, and promoting Cumbria as a great place to live, work, and do business.
Lead Members from both Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council have supported the development of Enterprising Cumbria, which will be delivering on the priorities of both councils, businesses and our residents.
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You can also follow them on LinkedIn or check out their new website at enterprisingcumbria.org.uk