Two business leaders are set to champion the county’s firms having been appointed to key roles at Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.
Mark Brook, manufacturing director of world-leading engineering company James Walker, based in Cockermouth, has been appointed to the LEP board.
Board director Emma-lea Dalton, an entrepreneur and director of three successful small businesses, has been appointed as SME Champion.
Taking over from Janett Walker, Emma-lea will provide a strong voice for Cumbria’s small and medium businesses, making sure that their voices are heard and providing a platform to support them to maximise opportunities and address challenges. She will also provide valuable insights and ideas to help business thrive in Cumbria.
Lord Inglewood, Chair of Cumbria LEP, said: “I’m really looking forward to working with both Emma-lea and Mark. This is a crucial period for Cumbria’s economy and our business community, it will be fantastic to be able to draw upon their knowledge and experience of our newest board member and our new SME Champion, as we move into the new year and help take forward Cumbria’s economy.
“Having a broad range of experience and perspectives is crucial in helping to navigate many important issues. As we look ahead, SMEs and local businesses will increasingly generate the job opportunities of tomorrow and the innovation needed to build a stronger and more sustainable economy.
Mr Brook said: “I am honoured and proud to be appointed to the LEP board to represent the advanced manufacturing sector within Cumbria. We have world leading businesses in Cumbria, from large corporations to SMEs and sole traders, and through collaboration and engagement these provide opportunities for growth, employment, career and skills development across the county.
“I look forward to working with other businesses to share learning and experience in skills development, energy savings including decarbonisation, productivity gains through continual improvement and Industry 4.0. best practices.”
Ms Dalton, who is director of Brizzolaris Bar, MKO Properties and My Kind of Clean, said: “I feel honoured that the Cumbria LEP Board has appointed me to help support our SMEs at a difficult time.
“I am looking forward to speaking to other local business owners to review their current challenges, their growth plans and their vision for the future, in a world that is currently very uncertain. I very much want to support our SME’s to achieve their goals.”
