12 March 2008
Olympic winner to take podium at first ever Cumbria Economic
Summit
Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell OBE will take the podium
once more to deliver a motivational speech to business leaders at
the Cumbria Economic Summit 2008.
The 400-metre hurdler will reveal how her recipe for success on
the track can translate to the world of business when she addresses
200 delegates from Cumbria and the North West at the County’s first
ever regeneration showcase.
The Cumbria Economic Summit 2008 will take place at the Rheged
Visitors Centre, Penrith, on Wednesday, April 9, and is being
staged by economic regeneration agency Cumbria Vision in
conjunction with inward investment agency Invest in Cumbria.
Sally – who became the first woman athlete to hold Olympic,
World, Commonwealth and European titles simultaneously – will join
a roster of high profile speakers who explain how businesses can
benefit from the tens of millions of pounds that will be channelled
into a series of exciting regeneration projects over the next few
decades.
Richard Greenwood, Chief Executive of Cumbria Vision, said: “The
message we are giving out is simple – Cumbria is open for
business.
“We are at a crucial point in the revival of Cumbria’s economy
and the summit is an ideal time to take stock of what we have
achieved; assess where we are now; and look forward to how we spend
future funding.
“In 2007 we saw the opening of the University of Cumbria, the
start of work on The Waterfront Barrow-in-Furness and significant
progress on the Britain’s Energy Coast™ Masterplan, but much more
work needs to be done if we are to transform Cumbria into the
fastest growing economy in the UK.
“The Cumbria Economic Summit 2008 is a superb chance for us to
catch the eye of businesses in the North West and galvanise
Cumbrian businesses behind the regeneration effort.”
Broadcaster Fiona Armstrong will compere the event – which
includes speeches, presentations, networking sessions and a large
exhibition that showcases the work of public sector organisations
and major employers in Cumbria.
High profile figures from Cumbria’s priority sectors will give
short introductions to special video showcases covering Energy
& Environmental Technology; Specialist Manufacturing; Digital,
Cultural and Creative Industries; Outdoor sport, Education and
Recreation; Food & Drink; Tourism; and Education and
Skills.
Delegates will also get the chance to participate in a question
and answer session involving key speakers from the event and
Cumbria Vision Board members.
Roger Liddle, Chairman of Cumbria Vision, said the Cumbria
Economic Summit 2008 is an ideal platform to explain the role of
the organisation in the County’s economic renaissance.
He said: “Cumbria Vision is here to improve the County’s
economic performance. To do this we are prioritising funding from
the Northwest Regional Development Agency into major projects that
will improve skills, create higher paid jobs and attract private
sector investment.
“Therefore it is essential that businesses and partner agencies
think Cumbrian and understand that investment in one part of the
County can have a positive impact on another. The regeneration
effort in Cumbria is like a huge jigsaw – we need to make sure the
pieces fit together if we are to be truly successful in achieving
our vision of a more prosperous future.”
So far Cumbria Vision has already invested £40 million into the
University of Cumbria, which opened its doors in 2007. The
organisations is working alongside the University to ensure that it
provides courses that meet the needs of local employers and offer
students at well paid job at the end of their studies.
Cumbria Vision is working alongside partners to transform West
Cumbria into Britain’s Energy Coast™. This Masterplan is a £2
billion package of regeneration projects that will build on the
area’s nuclear expertise and diversify into other energy
technologies, including off shore wind, oil and gas. Projects range
from new educational facilities; a new hospital; and £30 million
worth of road improvements to more than £150 million of
improvements to improving housing, town centres, cultural, sporting
and leisure facilities.
Meanwhile work has started on The Waterfront Barrow-in-Furness –
a £200 million investment into creating a new sustainable community
on swathes of redundant dockland. It will see the creation 650 new
homes; a much needed business park; 350-berth marina; and a host of
new leisure facilities – helping to raise the profile of Barrow as
a place to live, work, relax and visit.
Peter Stybelski, Chief Executive of Cumbria County Council, the
accountable body for Cumbria Vision, said: “Cumbria has the second
fastest growing economy in the North West since 2004, but the
recent turnaround follows years of underperformance and there are
still disparities between different parts of the county.
“Major regeneration projects are now gathering pace which will
help transform Cumbria for the 21st century. The Cumbria Economic
Summit 2008 comes at an incredibly exciting time for the region and
is an excellent opportunity to support our businesses and help to
attract future investment to help the economy grow.”
Ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
Cumbria Vision is the dynamic strategic organisation charged
with leading the economic regeneration of Cumbria. We are;
● identifying clear priorities for investment
● bringing together skills and higher paid jobs
● promoting private sector investment and growth
1: For further information, interviews or to attend the Cumbria
Economic Summit 2008 contact Cumbria Vision PR and Communications
Manager Luke Dicicco on 07799035390 or email luke.dicicco@cumbriavision.co.uk
2: Attached: A picture of Sally Gunnell OBE. For a high
resolution version please contact Luke Dicicco on the above
details
3: For more information on Cumbria Vision visit www.cumbriavision.co.uk.
4: Cumbria Vision is supported by the Northwest Regional
Development Agency (NWDA), which leads the economic development and
regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for:
Supporting business growth and encouraging investment; Matching
skills provision to employer needs; Creating the conditions for
economic growth; Connecting the region through effective transport
and communication infrastructure; Promoting the region’s
outstanding quality of life. www.nwda.co.uk
5: Cumbria County Council is a founding partner of and the
accountable body for Cumbria Vision. www.cumbria.gov.uk
Luke Dicicco
PR & Communications Manager
Cumbria Vision ......Leading on Economic Development in
Cumbria
01768 861310/ 07799035390
Cumbria Vision Limited
Registered Office: Unit 2, Enterprise House, Gillan Way, Penrith 40
Business Park, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9BP
Registered in England No. 5773805