Shining a light on Cumbria’s shared ambitions for growth

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.”