BECBC reveals new patron

Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster, which represents 300 companies across the county, this week announced that Marcia Reid Fotheringham will take on the role from September.

The former High Sheriff of Cumbria and Deputy Lieutenant takes over from Professor John Fyfe, who became patron in 2018.

Ivan Baldwin, chair of Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster, said: “Marcia was the standout choice for our second patron, and we are delighted that she has graciously accepted our offer.

"Prof Fyfe has ably served our cluster since 2018.”

Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster is a private sector-led membership organisation and its leadership team says at the forefront of its ethos is a deliberate focus on collaboration of businesses for the benefit of the wider business community.

Marcia said: “I am honoured to have been invited to become Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster's patron.

"Over the last 20 years in Cumbria, and in my previous role as High Sheriff, I have seen the strength, determination and resilience of the people of Cumbria and the many organisations innovative Cumbrians

are involved with.

"Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster is an excellent example of this.

"Its members’ extraordinary focus on collaboration is inspiring.

"I look forward to supporting their efforts to strengthen business in this region and beyond.”

Ivan added: “We continuously seek to evolve and better serve our 300-strong membership.

"To this end, I am really excited by the addition of Marcia’s insights into our region as well as her charisma and energy, which, I have no doubt, will help us in the days of Covid-19 and beyond with the healing process and our economic bounce back.

"We look forward to introducing Marcia to our members over the coming weeks as we begin

to set out our strategy for the next three years."

A magistrate, Marcia also sits on the boards of Tullie House in Carlisle, Cumbria Victims Charity Trust, Cumbria Community Foundation and Multicultural Cumbria.