New cluster flexes its business muscles
Last updated 17:36, Thursday, 27 March 2008
THE West Cumbria Business Cluster is moving from strength to strength and has undergone major transformations within the last few months, to become a social enterprise and company limited by guarantee with a board of directors.
Established in September 2003, the private-sector-led group was formed in response to changes in the local contracting environment and to assist members to grow their businesses locally, nationally and internationally and so contribute to a more sustainable economy for West Cumbria.
Member companies range from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to global businesses with interests in Copeland and Allerdale – most either directly or indirectly are engaged in work associated with the nuclear industry.
Their capabilities range from civil engineering and decommissioning to safety management and training.
The Cluster aims include increasing the quantity and quality of business opportunities for members, supporting diversification, acting as an independent voice for the private sector, and ultimately improving the economic development of the West Cumbrian economy.
It assists companies to share knowledge, develop links to universities and research and development organisations, share market intelligence, promote their capabilities and ensure that the voice of business is heard.
Represented on key decision-making groups relating to West Cumbria including the West Cumbria Strategic Forum and Cumbria Vision Business Forum, the Cluster works in partnership with local public and private sector organisations. It is integrally involved in supporting plans to develop the area, playing an active part in promoting ‘Britain’s Energy Coast’, both in the UK and internationally.
Chairman Tony Lawrence said: “The Cluster is moving forward as a network group for those with business interests in West Cumbria and is a vital voice of the private sector in the west of the county.
“Our membership is growing fast and with the levels of support from local business we are striving to do more to achieve our objectives. Attending events such as the British Nuclear Energy Society Conference held in Cumbria last autumn is one of the keys to raising awareness of our member capabilities.”
Representatives from the Cluster were sponsored to attend the Energy, Technology, Environmental and Technical Association Conference in Knoxville, Tennessee recently.
The delegation spoke and exhibited at the event with other West Cumbrian community, regeneration representatives and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, under the banner of Britain’s Energy Coast, which proved a magnet for delegates wanting to know more about opportunities in UK nuclear decommissioning and West Cumbria expertise in delivering the work.
The representatives spent time with delegates and exhibitors, researching potential business opportunities for West Cumbria’s local supply chain and how they could collaborate in potential future partnerships.
“The Cumbria delegation was made extremely welcome by everyone involved with ETEBA and we are convinced that local, nuclear supply chains on both sides of the Atlantic can win valuable contracts through collaboration,” Tony explained.
“I addressed delegates at the event and suggested opportunities where the West Cumbria Business Cluster and ETEBA members could work together. We are to be part of an April workshop with ETEBA members, outlining ways of working in the UK and hope to help develop a similar event here in West Cumbria in the future.
“Attending such events in the USA gives West Cumbria the opportunity to develop relationships which will benefit the area. In forging such strong and enduring links, we ensure that we are doing everything possible to maximise opportunities for our member companies to build new markets and expand their horizons.
“Not only is the Cluster working to achieve a sustainable West Cumbrian economy, it is continually interfacing with local schools and higher education institutes in a bid to attract more young people into specialist industries and maintain skill levels within West Cumbria.
“A number of members regularly take part in the Engineering Awareness Evening at St Benedict’s School, Whitehaven, and we are currently planning an Engineering Awareness Event at Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton.
“These enable members to showcase opportunities within their businesses across a broad range of engineering disciplines assisting students to make informed career choices.”
For more information see the cluster website www.westcumbriabusinesscluster. org.uk or email Hazel.Duhy@ westcumbriabusinesscluster.org.uk
