A globally renowned expert on customer service is coming to Lakes College as part of a line-up to help businesses overcome staffing challenges and drum up repeat business.

Geoff Ramm, described by Forbes as "a game changer," will be headlining a free event called Embracing Excellence in the Visitor Economy on Wednesday, October 16.

It will be packed full of inspirational talks and workshops at Lakes College in Workington.

Mr Ramm has worked with small business owners and big brands across 50 countries to help them stand out by delivering amazing experiences.

The event aims to provide practical support and advice for local operators in industries such as retail, hospitality, and tourism, who are facing significant challenges around rising costs and recruitment.

Mr Ramm said: "There are no charts, graphs or stats.

"This is about real-life stories and what inspires you most.

"You’ll walk away with ideas in your pockets, which everyone can use the very next day to deliver a great service – a ‘celebrity’ service."

(Image: Cumbria Tourism) Other speakers will include a national travel writer focusing on how to work with journalists, and a representative from VisitEngland will talk about capturing new markets through group travel/travel trade.

There will be a special workshop about promoting more inclusive travel experiences to maximise the so-called 'Purple Pound.'

On the recruitment front, there will be sessions with People First, Growing Well, and the New Futures Network (Prison and Probation Service) highlighting practical ways to retain existing staff and support new workers into hospitality roles.

Realise HR will provide handy tips and advice about supporting a more inclusive workforce.

The event will also be a chance for local food and drink businesses to showcase their produce, with catering and hospitality students from Lakes College providing a complimentary lunch and sweet treats using local recipes like Borrowdale Tea Bread and Cumberland Rum Nicky.

Embracing Excellence in the Visitor Economy is free to businesses based in the Cumberland Council area and is supported through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Funding.

All of the sessions link to projects being delivered by Cumbria Tourism on behalf of Cumberland Council between now and January 2025.

There will be opportunities for businesses to find out how they can benefit from upcoming activity.

Free tickets for the event can be booked by visiting the Cumbria Tourism website.