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Local young people invited to have their say on Cumbria's economy

CUMBRIA’S Local Enterprise Partnership’s Futures Forum is welcoming the leaders of tomorrow to attend a major economic forum to discuss vital issues for our economy such as Net Zero, career opportunities and personal leadership.

The event will take place on Wednesday 1 February 2023 at the North Lakes Hotel in Penrith.

This future focused conference has been designed to tackle the big topics that will shape Cumbria’s economy – from accelerating the region’s Net Zero ambitions and career opportunities, to how to attract and retain young people in the region. All 18-35 year olds are welcome at this free-to-attend event, with the day featuring a mix of personal development activities, keynote speakers, and interactive workshops exploring the issues that really matter to Cumbria’s future leaders.

The event has been organised by the LEP’s Futures Forum, a diverse mix of 18-35-year olds from across Cumbria’s businesses and communities, all with the shared aim of promoting Cumbria as a great place to live and work for future generations.

Jo Lappin, Chief Executive at the Cumbria LEP, said:

“Our Futures Forum plays an essential role in ensuring that our economic strategies and activities not only cover the issues that matter to young people but incorporate their ideas to address these. I’m delighted that the Futures Forum is bringing together younger people from all over the county for this major event, tapping into the knowledge and expertise of our future leaders to help shape the LEP’s thinking.

“Importantly, we also want the event to provide a personal development opportunity to all participants as the LEP is committed to developing Cumbria’s talent and our next generation of leaders. All attendees will therefore be provided with a personal insights report, identifying their leadership preferences and the contribution that they can make to Cumbria’s economic challenges and opportunities.”

Karla Thomas and Adrian Naik, Co-Chairs of Cumbria LEP Futures Forum, said:

“The Futures Forum is all about people aged 18-35 playing a role in the economic future of Cumbria. It provides a platform for discussion, ensuring that the views of younger generations are both taken seriously and inform the strategies put in place to ensure Cumbria’s economy thrives.

“There’s so many economic issues that will affect Cumbria for years to come and Millennials and Generation Z need to be part of the discussion. We’re really looking forward to the event, there’ll be great insights and discussion, as well as opportunities for personal development. Places are limited so we would really encourage people to book early.”

Bookings can be made at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/18-35-year-olds-in-cumbria-have-your-say-on-cumbrias-economic-future-tickets-494986627327.

The economic forum aims to capture the aspirations and ambitions of our next generation of leaders in championing an inclusive and prosperous Cumbria, where young people are key players and equal stakeholders in shaping the future.

Cumbria’s most significant economic challenge is our declining working age population, which means that encouraging young people to build their career in Cumbria is essential. A key part of the discussion will be how to ensure that the county is a fantastic place to live and work, whatever a person’s interests, which will underpin attraction and retention of younger generations.


The event is taking place from 9.30am to 4.00pm on Wednesday 1 February 2023 at the North Lakes Hotel, Penrith CA11 8QT. Places are limited, and demand is expected to be high, so attendees are encouraged to register early.

Book your place here.

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