Value proposition

Strategic lead in all activities contributing to the growth of Cumbria's economy.

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership provides a strategic lead on activities contributing to the county’s economic growth.

Working with public and private sector-led partners, we’re investing £60.3m in Cumbria’s local economy. Our projects and investment packages are creating and safeguarding jobs, providing modern new business space and levering in millions of additional private sector investment.

Cumbria LEP is responsible for the county’s Strategic Economic Plan which focuses on four core priorities:

• Advanced manufacturing growth
• Nuclear & energy excellence
• A vibrant rural & visitor economy
• Strategic connectivity of the M6 corridor.

Business support is a cornerstone of our plans to increase economic output and create more jobs in Cumbria, including better access to finance for SMEs. This activity is aligned with Cumbria Business Growth Hub facilities.

The LEP continues to administer funding from the European Structural Investment Funds (ESIF) programme to boost business growth, enterprise and skills development up to 2020.

We’re also helping to fund a range of initiatives to improve the county’s skills offer, including investment in training facilities and provision for advanced manufacturing, STEM and agricultural disciplines.

Cumbria has been the fourth fastest growth area in the UK over the last decade, and £25 billion of new investment is planned here over the next 15 years. It is making an increasingly important contribution to the UK economy, with nationally significant assets including new nuclear and renewable energy projects.

Cumbria is a high-performing, diverse economy with ambitions for growth. It’s a great place to invest and do business, and also offers a compelling opportunity for skilled workers who choose to locate here.