Last updated 15:52, Wednesday, 23 April 2008

Sally Gunnell:

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

The 400-meter 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 ever regeneration showcase, took place at the Rheged Visitors Centre last week and was staged by economic regeneration agency Cumbria Vision in conjunction with inward investment agency Invest in Cumbria.

Sally - who became the first woman athlete to hold Olympic, World, Commonwealth, and European titles simultaneously – joined a host of high profile speakers who explained how businesses can benefit from the tens of millions of pounds that will be channelled into a series of exciting regeneration projects over the next few decades.

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 of what we have achieved; assess where we are now; and look forward to how we spend future funding.

“In 2008 we saw the opening of the University of Cumbria, the start of work on The Waterfront Barrow-in-Furness and significant progress on the Britain’s Energy Coast Masterplan, but much more work needs to be done if we are to transform Cumbria into the fastest growing economy in the UK.

“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 a large exhibition that showcased the work of public sector organisations and major employers in Cumbria.

High profile figures from Cumbria’s priority sectors gave short introductions to special video showcases covering Energy & Environmental Technology; Specialist Manufacturing; Digital, Cultural and Creative Industries; Outdoor sort, Education and Recreation; Food and Drink; Tourism and Education and Skills.

Delegates also got the chance to participate in a question and answer session involving key speakers from the event and Cumbria Vision Board members.

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.

“The regeneration effort in Cumbria is like a huge jigsaw – we need to make sure the pieces fit together if we are to be truly successful in achieving our vision of more prosperous future.”

So far Cumbria Vision has already invested £40 million into the University of Cumbria, which opened its doors in 2007.

The organisation is working along the University to ensure that it provides courses that meet the needs of local employers and offer students a well paid job at the end of their studies.

Cumbria Vision is working alongside partners to transform West Cumbria into Britain’s Energy Coast.

This Masterplan is a £2 billion package of regeneration projects that will build on the area’s nuclear expertise and diversify into other energy technologies, including off shore wind, oil and gas.

Projects range from new educational facilities; a new hospital and £30 million worth of road improvements to more than £150 million of improvements to housing, town centres, cultural, sporting and leisure facilities.

Peter Stybelski, chief executive of Cumbria County Council, explained: “Cumbria has the second fastest growing economy in the North West since 2004, but the recent turnaround follows years of underperformance and there are still disparities between different parts of the county.

“Major regeneration projects are now gathering pace which will help transform Cumbria for the 21st century.

“The Cumbria Economic Summit 2008 comes at an incredibly exciting time for the region and is an excellent opportunity to support our businesses and help attract future investment to help the economy grow.”