News and Views

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) has launched an innovative programme for 18-35 year olds, which is designed to develop Cumbria’s next generation of leaders. The programme is fully funded by CLEP and is designed to support young people to develop the skills that they need to lead both now and in the future.

The programme provides a flexible new approach to developing Cumbria’s next generation of leaders through four one-day leadership events throughout 2024. The first one takes place in Penrith on Wednesday, 24 April 2024 and people need to register by Friday 29 March.

Jo Lappin, Chief Executive at CLEP said “Today’s Talent Tomorrow’s Leaders” has been specifically designed to help younger people on their leadership journey. And developed by young people on the Futures Forum. It will be a combination of inputs from experts and industry leaders, alongside workshops and networking with a range of tools used to help participants better understand themselves as leaders. At the first event, I am delighted that Jon Turner, Managing Director, of Electrification & Automation, Siemens will be providing the keynote speech and giving his thoughts on what the future holds.”

She added: “The work that the LEP has done on productivity has identified that the two things that would most improve Cumbria’s performance is leadership and management skills and innovation. This programme is designed to address both of these in a way that is highly interactive, developmental, interesting and enjoyable.”

Georgia Neild, Co-Chair of the Futures Forum, said: “The Futures Forum is excited to be able to make a real difference to the leadership skills of young people throughout Cumbria. The team have worked hard to ensure that the programme is of the highest quality”.

Co-Chair, Thomas Shaw, added: “Designed with insights from young leaders from the Futures Forum and highly experienced current leaders, this programme offers an excellent opportunity for participant to enhance their skills, elevate their careers by equipping our attendees with essential leadership skills alongside knitting our diverse professional community closer together.”

Futures Forum member Graham Hadaway said: “Today’s Talent, Tomorrow’s Leaders’ is specifically designed for somebody like me. A young person who wants to progress in their career and take the next step as a leader. Cumbria is a very large county and the programme will provide the opportunity to bring people together and build relationships in a way that otherwise might not happen. Often, it’s not what you know, but who you know. The programme offers at least four days to do that, and it’s made much easier when people are together in person, sharing their experiences.”

Graham, who is now brand and marketing director at Hargreaves Enterprises, says in his experience Cumbria has a lot to offer young leaders. He said: “I purposefully chose Cumbria over London, as it punches well above its weight and there are lots of opportunities here for young leaders. That’s why these leadership events are so important, providing the core skills modern leaders need - from communication and decision-making to emotional intelligence and resilience,” he added.

The “Today’s Talent Tomorrow’s Leaders” Programme consists of four events (9am-5pm) which are being held at the North Lakes Hotel, Penrith on Wednesday 24 April, Tuesday 2 July, Tuesday 17 September and Tuesday 19 November 2024.

All places on the programme are sponsored by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership. Demand for these limited places is high and people need to sign up by Friday 29 March by visiting the Kendal based TryBooking website, using the ‘buy ticket’ button and searching for ‘Today’s Talent Tomorrow’s Leader’. Or use this link https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/56272.