Last updated 20:50, Thursday, 17 April 2008

OLYMPIC gold medallist Sally Gunnell OBE took to the stage to deliver a motivational speech to business leaders at the Cumbria Economic Summit 2008.

The 400-metre hurdler addressed 200 delegates from Cumbria and the North West revealing how her recipe for success on the track translates to the world of business.

The Cumbria Economic Summit, the county’s first regeneration showcase, took place at the Rheged Visitors Centre last week and was staged by economic regeneration agency Cumbria Vision with inward investment agency Invest in Cumbria.

Richard Greenwood, chief executive of Cumbria Vision, said: “The message we are giving out is simple – Cumbria is open for business.

“We are at a crucial point in the revival of Cumbria’s economy and the summit is an ideal time to take stock and look forward to how we spend future funding.

“The Cumbria Economic Summit 2008 is a superb chance for us to catch the eye of businesses in the North West and galvanise Cumbrian businesses behind the regeneration effort.”

Broadcaster Fiona Armstrong compered the event, which included speeches, presentations, networking sessions and an exhibition showcasing the work of public sector organisations and major employers in Cumbria.

Roger Liddle, chairman of Cumbria Vision, said the Cumbria Economic Summit 2008 was an ideal platform to explain the role of the organisation in the county’s economic renaissance.

He said: “Cumbria Vision is here to improve the county’s economic performance.

“To do this we are prioritising funding from the Northwest Regional Development Agency into major projects that will improve skills, create higher paid jobs and attract private sector investment.

“Therefore it is essential that businesses and partner agencies think Cumbrian and understand that investment in one part of the county can have a positive impact on another.”