Cumbria's Local Enterprise Partnership is changing to meet the new expectations of the Government, its chairman said.

Lord Inglewood told the partnership's annual general meeting the steps which were being taken to transform its governance while strengthening its private representation on its board.

Visitors were also updated on the Local Industrial Strategy – a key document that will map out the county’s economic priorities through to the 2030s.

More than 70 business people and public together with voluntary and community sector partners, attended the event at Cumbria LEP’s Conference and Business Centre, near Penrith.

Lord Inglewood, who opened the conference, said: “The AGM was very well attended and gave those present the chance to hear about what the LEP is doing to transform its governance, add strength to private sector representation on the board, and crucially how our plans for the new Local Industrial Strategy are taking shape.

"We have already had a lot of positive feedback. Cumbria’s economy has the potential to go further, faster. We have embarked on the development of the new strategy and we want it to be a transformational document for the county.

“We also want to be transformational in how we develop it by working closely in partnership.

"Our aim is to be more collaborative, consultative, communicative and challenging to make sure that we get the best strategy for Cumbria.”

Jo Lappin, the LEP chief executive, spoke of the emerging priorities for the Local Industrial Strategy.

This was followed by talks on three of the LEP’s future priorities – skills, transport and sectors - by three private sector board members John Coughlan, Jim Jackson and Nigel Wilkinson.

There was also an economic overview of the county, provided by Stephen Nicol, of Nicol Economics.

Jackie Arnold the LEP’s deputy chair, updated attendees on performance to date.

Cumbria LEP is planning further countywide consultation events on the new Local Industrial Strategy, due to take place on October 31 and November 1.