News and Views

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) recently welcomed three new public sector corporate members to its Board.

Allerdale Borough Council, Carlisle City Council and South Lakeland District Council, represented by Mike Johnson, Leader of the Council; John Mallinson, Leader of the Council; and Robin Ashcroft, Economy, Culture and Leisure Portfolio Holder, respectively, took up their places at the May Board meeting.

They replace Barrow Borough Council, Copeland Borough Council and Eden District Council represented respectively by Lee Roberts, Deputy Leader; Mike Starkie, Elected Mayor and Mary Robinson, Deputy Leader.

The change of membership took place as part of CLEP’s local authority membership rotation policy, with representation rotating every two year terms.

CLEP Chair Lord Inglewood said: “I am delighted that Mike, John and Robin have taken up their places on the Board and look forward to further developing the strong relationships that we have with our local authority colleagues in Cumbria.

“Partnership working has been at the heart of CLEP’s activities, particularly since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and they join us at a pivotal moment as we focus on Cumbria’s economic recovery and help support our businesses to move from recovery to growth.

“I’d like to thank Lee, Mike and Mary for their hard work, energy and commitment during their two year terms. Their contributions have helped prepare Cumbria to move into that recovery phase.

“I believe that along with the recent appointments of two new private sector Board members – Des Moore and Janett Walker – we will be in a position to move forward with confidence to face the challenges ahead.”

Des Moore, Chief Executive of The Cumberland building society, and Janett Walker, Chair of Anti Racist Cumbria and co-founder of events and PR company Flock, will be attending their first Board meeting next month.

Coun. Johnson said: “I'm really pleased to have joined the LEP board to represent the council and the borough of Allerdale. It's important for us to work closely with the CLEP to support economic growth in the county, which will benefit our communities by providing new jobs and investment opportunities.

"Partnership working will also be crucial as we come through the pandemic as we look to rebuild and expand our economy and I look forward to working on some great projects alongside the board and partners."

Coun. Mallinson said: “I am delighted to represent Carlisle and be part of the Cumbria LEP Board. We are living and working in unprecedented times and it’s important that we work together to do all we can to support our local communities and businesses.”

Coun. Ashcroft said: “The LEP plays a key strategic role in the development of Cumbria’s economy and this input is particularly important as we emerge from lockdown and get used to new realities and ways of working.

“South Lakeland is a vital contributor to the county’s economy and I’m pleased to be working with stakeholders to see how we can realise our communities’ full potential.”

The main role of the Board is to set the strategic direction for Cumbria’s economic growth and development.