About Economic Development

Economic Development is a team of 44 people based in different locations across the county.  We have an annual budget of approximately £1.3m and target a return on investment of several times this.

The Cumbria Intelligence Observatory collects and analyses data from across the county, and provides statutory returns to central government.  This information helps determine economic policy.

The policy team draw funding into the county from a variety of sources including central government, the European Union, National Lottery and private investment.  Without the policy team Cumbria would receive far less funding - which has become increasingly competitive.

The Regeneration Support Team provide support and grant funding to social enterprises and small businesses.

Invest in Cumbria continue their work to attract new businesses into the county and keep the ones we have.  While many of us already know Cumbria to be a great place to live and work, many businesses are yet to discover this!

Europe Direct connects Cumbria to the rest of the continent as a destination for tourism, business and funding.  Our European Policy Development Officer is also responsible for finding opportunities for Cumbrian residents to study abroad, do business, and take advantage of many EU schemes.

The project team manage large scale regeneration projects across the county, liaising with the private sector and ensuring the local community are heard so that all developments bring with them a social benefit.

Economic Development in Cumbria is also made up of organisations we fund (Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership, Cumbria Tourism, Fells & Dales, Solway, Border & Eden) organisations who employ our expertise (Britain's Energy Coast, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership) and companies we own (Port of Workington).