Last updated 15:54, Wednesday, 26 March 2008

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Fiona Armstrong

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

The 400-metre hurdler will reveal how her recipe for success on the track can translate to the world of business when she addresses 200 delegates from Cumbria and the North West at the county’s first ever regeneration showcase.

The Cumbria Economic Summit 2008 will take place at the Rheged Visitors Centre, Penrith, on Wednesday, April 9, and is being 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 – will join a roster of high-profile speakers who explain 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 2007 we saw the opening of the University of Cumbria, the start of work on The Waterfront Barrow-in-Furness and significant progress on 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 will compere the event, which includes speeches, presentations, networking sessions and a large exhibition that showcases the work of public sector organisations and major employers in Cumbria.

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

Delegates will also get 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 is 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 a more prosperous future.”

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

Meanwhile work has started on The Waterfront Barrow-in-Furness – a £200 million investment into creating a new sustainable community on swathes of redundant dockland.

It will see the creation of 650 new homes; a much needed business park; 350-berth marina; and a host of new leisure facilities – helping to raise the profile of Barrow as a place to live, work, relax and visit.

Peter Stybelski, chief executive of Cumbria County Council, the accountable body for Cumbria Vision, said: “Cumbria has the second fastest growing economy in the North West since 2004, but the recent turnaround follows years of under-performance 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 to attract future investment to help the economy grow.”