COUNCILLORS have been given an update on the progress being made on the transition from the former Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) towards a new organisation.

The closedown procedure for the CLEP will be at the end of the month and it will be replaced by a new body called Enterprising Cumbria.

Members of Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness councils' joint overview and scrutiny committee met at Voreda House in Penrith on Thursday (September 5) to hear a progress report.

Darren Crossley, Cumberland Council's director of place, sustainable growth and transport, told councillors that an Economic Growth Board has been set up and it is due to have its first meeting on Monday, September 16.

He said the growth board's membership covered a diverse range of sectors and it had a good geographical spread. He added: "It's a board of influence rather than a board of directors."

Councillor Mike Mitchelson (Brampton, Conservative) asked who the members were and Mr Crossley said they included:

  • Mark Bowman (chief executive of Inspira);
  • Matt Bratton (regional director of the CBI);
  • Lisa Bridgewater (chief operating officer of iCan Wellbeing Group);
  • Suzanne Caldwell (MD of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce);
  • Mike Christian (innovation broker at Digital Dairy Chain);
  • Jennifer Cormack (sales and marketing director of Windemere Lake Cruises);
  • Louise Firby (head of group at Sellafield);
  • Janet Garner (future workforce director at BAE Systems);
  • Nicky Gordon (MD of Genesis Homes);
  • Gill Haigh (MD of Cumbria Tourism);
  • Craig Hatch (divisional president of Tetra Tech);
  • Barry Leahey (president of Playdale Playgrounds);
  • Sarah McGrath (principal of Carlisle College);
  • Julie Mennell (vice chancellor and chief executive of the University of Cumbria);
  • Chris Nattress (principal and chief executive of Lakes College);
  • Nabil Subuh (chief executive Westmorland Family).

Cllr Mitchelson asked if there was a timetable for the project. Mr Crossley said this would depend on whether or not the two councils would be formed into a combined authority following receipt of a letter from deputy prime minister Angela Rayner suggesting the move for Cumbria.

Both councils were pleased 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 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.

David Beeby, the new chairman of the 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 councils have supported the development of the new Enterprising Cumbria which will be delivering on the priorities of both councils, businesses and residents over the next few months.

Cumberland Council leader councillor Mark Fryer welcomed the appointment of the new board members and chairman and 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 & 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 members can really shape and influence economic growth in our area and the work of Enterprising Cumbria, making our area a really great place to live, work and thrive.

"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, and new Enterprising Cumbria website is due to be launched soon.