CUMBRIA’S businesses are being encouraged to attend the yearly summit of the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) to find out more about the region’s efforts to grow the economy.

The LEP’s Annual General Meeting – set for Friday 30 September at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal – will also see the details of a new grant programme to support small and medium business to innovate and go greener, launched.

The free-to-attend meeting will bring together the private sector, local government, the community, education and businesses to showcase the LEP’s priority areas; discuss the challenges currently faced and look ahead to plans for 2023. It will also be a chance for attendees to ask questions directly to the Board and the LEP Team.

Details of the ‘Innovating For Success’ grant programme will be unveiled for the first time at the meeting. The scheme has been designed to provide grant funding for businesses to deliver either innovative projects or to introduce energy reduction measures in their business.

It’s all part of the LEP’s mission to ensure that the region’s economy can bounce back as quickly as possible from the current significant economic challenges.

Jo Lappin, Chief Executive of Cumbria LEP said:

“This year has been one of the most challenging times economically for decades, with inflation at a 40-year high and the cost of living squeeze affecting millions of families. It’s not only important that we recognise and support our businesses in Cumbria – from SMEs to major employers – but also secure new investments and opportunities that we are uniquely placed to secure.

“Our economy is not only experiencing these challenges that are also facing significant labour supply issues and our productivity has declined in recent years. Innovation can help address both of these issues by improving efficiency and profitability. It’s how businesses adapt to change and continue to grow, with new ideas and investment helping propel our economy forward. We’re looking forward to not only launching our new grant programme, but also exploring both the challenges and opportunities upcoming in Cumbria.”

“Our Annual General Meeting is an important demonstration of the LEP’s commitment to openness, accountability and transparency in everything that we do. So I really hope that people are available to come along and find out more”.

Anyone can attend the AGM meeting, which will place on Friday 30 September 2022 from 2pm – 4pm at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, LA9 6RG, and can be joined either in-person or via video conference.

Book you place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cumbria-leps-cleps-annual-general-meeting-tickets-410326817557