Making economic development happen

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership is currently investing over £60m of funding from the Government’s Growth Deal programme in a range of projects designed to accelerate economic growth in the county.

Key areas of strength in the county include advanced manufacturing capabilities, specific expertise in nuclear and energy industries and their supply chains, a visitor economy which attracts millions of people to the county each year, and a growing, diversifying network of rural businesses.

Transport infrastructure is also a major priority, with Cumbria LEP working alongside partners, local and national government to bring about much needed improvements to road, rail, port and airport facilities.

Other transport improvements are facilitating housing developments and business growth. We are also delivering a package of sustainable transport measures to optimise connectivity within Cumbria, particularly around key visitor arrival points and visitor attractions.

The creation of key employment sites, from improving access facilities and opening up new workspace, to the reclamation of derelict land for development of commercial office and manufacturing space, is all designed to boost economic output and attract new businesses here.

We are investing in better ICT and broadband coverage, aiming to achieve 100% superfast broadband coverage across the county by 2021.

Ensuring we have a workforce to meet the future needs of our local employers is an integral part of Cumbria LEP’s economic strategy too, and we are investing in state-of-the-art training facilities, with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) related disciplines. The aim is to provide businesses with a local supply of skilled staff and a workforce fit for today and tomorrow.

Local Growth Fund

Local Enterprise Partnerships are playing a vital role in driving forward economic growth across the country, helping to build a country that works for everyone. By 2021 Government will have invested over £12bn through the Local Growth Fund, allowing LEPs to use their local knowledge to get all areas of the country firing on all cylinders.

The government has awarded £9.1bn in three rounds of Growth Deals to local areas to drive economic growth. LEPs are investing in a wide range of projects including transport, skills, business support, broadband, innovation and flood defences.

£4.95 million of improvements to Carlisle Airport’s runway and terminal

£2.3 million for transport infrastructure developments in and around Kendal

£7.8 million investment to provide better access to sustainable travel facilities

£2 million to optimise connectivity and increase sustainable transport in the Lake District

£4.5 million to improve infrastructure for housing, employment and transport along the A590 corridor

Extending availability of Super-fast Broadband technology across the county with an investment of £3.6m

£2 million towards the construction of a new road over rail bridge for better access to the Port of Workington

£1.1m for Furness College’s advanced manufacturing centre with space for hundreds of students and STEM apprentices

£900,000 for Carlisle College’s advanced manufacturing centre and simulated production line for training

Delivering £2m for access improvements, site servicing and a new road link at Durranhill employment site

Barrow Waterfront investment of £7.18m for site reclamation to transform derelict land into a business park

£1.5 million to support manufacturing growth through the provision of grants and loans

Cumbria skills and capital programme investment of £3.16m to meeting the skills needs of local employers

Flood Recovery Grant Scheme, with £2 million made available to help local businesses recover

£1 million for the creation of prime location employment space Carlisle Station Gateway and the Citadels

£5 million for Ulverston infrastructure improvements

£4.5 million investment in Whitehaven Town Centre