More than 350 business leaders are set to attend Enterprising Cumbria’s economic summit.

The event on Tuesday, December 3, will be held at the Keswick Pencil Factory and will focus on the new Cumbria Economic Strategy.

The summit, organised with the help of Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, will run from 9.30 am until 4.30 pm.

The conference, which will also include a series of breakout sessions, will be hosted by Phil Laycock.

The agenda for the day includes speeches from several key figures including David Beeby, chair of the Enterprising Cumbria Growth Board; Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council; and Councillor Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council.

The event will also feature discussions on investment in Cumbria and devolution.

Mr Beeby said: "We are delighted with the response to the event.

"We have had more than 350 delegates signed up to attend.

"It will be Enterprising Cumbria's first major event and will be an opportunity to discuss the exciting, and challenging, times ahead for Cumbria.

"A new Economic Strategy is being prepared which will form the platform for economic priorities and actions.

"This event will provide an opportunity for our business community to part of the conversation and will ensure their needs are front and centre of the strategy and our future activities."

Councillor Mark Fryer said: "It is important that our strategic partners and stakeholders get the opportunity to input into the final Cumbria Economic Strategy.

"Their opinions matter and we need their knowledge and expertise to drive forward inclusive growth in our region."

Councillor Jonathan Brook added: "The summit provides a platform for our business community to ensure their needs are front and centre of a new economic strategy.

"There is a great opportunity, through the unprecedented investment coming to our area, to benefit people and communities across the county.

"We are at the forefront of some of the most high-tech sectors, such as nuclear, decarbonisation, clean growth and innovation, and we very much look forward to hearing what businesses and other stakeholders believe is important in enabling us to capitalise on this."