Carlisle Ambassadors held their latest meeting at Carlisle Lake District Airport (Wednesday 11th September), where the city’s entrepreneurs and business leaders learnt more about Carlisle’s positive economic future.
Ambassadors gathered at 10.30 for tours of the airport facilities, after which they gathered in the main departure lounge to continue the day’s business. Where they heard from Kate Willard of Carlisle Lake District Airport, who though unable to attend gave a video briefing of Carlisle Airport’s importance as a transport hub, as an access point to both London and onwards to Europe, and Dublin and onwards to the United States as a domestic passenger. Alongside that members of her team answered audience questions about the airport’s capabilities, infrastructure and flight operations.
Emma Porter, Managing Director of Story Contracting, gave assembled delegates an overview of the business and an insight into some of the major infrastructure projects the company has embarked on in recent years including a flood resilience project at McVitie’s, Carlisle, Currock Bridge Cycle scheme, replacement bridge works at Pooley Bridge near Penrith and bridge strengthening works on Kendal’s Victoria Bridge.
Jane Meek, Carlisle City Council’s Corporate Director of Economic Development followed on by providing economic development and business insight highlighting continued growth and development across the City, supported by officers Garry Legg and Steven Robinson. Who both provided detailed overviews of key milestone projects; including The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, the Southern Link Road and the City Centre investment strategy.
Greg Stephenson from Carlisle Ambassadors outlined continued business investment across the City, including the new state of the art 60 bed residential care home in Carlisle; Burnrigg Court. Within The Walls a £2m redevelopment located on Victoria Viaduct, which will see the see the creation of a bar, restaurant and function and events space. The creation of a dedicated electrical apprentice training centre in the city by work-based training company JTL. Alongside business news from Black Magic Car Detailers, Clark Door, VR Gateway, Cache4 IT Solutions, Amante Bar and Secret Garden, Bruce & Luke’s, PartsPlus, Castle Chocolates, Best Dressed Kidz Children’s Boutique, NK Fashion, Deichmann and River Island.
Michelle Masters, Carlisle Ambassadors, project lead, then rounded up with an insight into the continued growth of Carlisle Ambassadors, and highlighted the recent successes of Give A Day To The City and the of the Young Ambassadors and their Talent Connect event in the city centre.
Michelle said: ‘’It is clear to see that the economic future of the city is bright, by working together, bringing local businesses and our communities together we are all helping to create a bright future for our city. There is no doubt that we as ambassadors want to see positive growth and development that transforms our communities for the better. Growth that will put Carlisle at the forefront of the north of England’s economy and will further amplify the role of our city as a strategic hub. Carlisle’s future is exciting, and we all have a role to play as we take the city forward for the future creating opportunities and reducing barriers enabling our residents to access high quality employment opportunities, education and skills development whilst growing the Carlisle economy.’’
