BOOK NOW | Cumbria Development Update 2025
What is going to drive Cumbria’s economy over the next decade? How are developers navigating the unique challenges of this part of the region? Find out answers to these questions and many more from public and private sector experts at Place North West’s half-day conference in June.
The rural county of Cumbria presents a specific set of obstacles and opportunities to driving growth and attracting investment.
Our annual exploration of the area will delve into the many projects that aim to boost the economy as well as taking a close look at places like Barrow, which are well-positioned to benefit from the governments pro-growth agenda.
Meanwhile, Cumbria is on the cusp of a new era as it pursues a devolution deal and looks to appoint a mayor to act as a lightning rod for inward investment.
This event is sponsored by Caddick and Curtins
The Cumbria Development Update will take place on Thursday 19 June at North Lakes Hotel & Spa in Penrith
Tickets cost £88+VAT. Local authorities and registered providers can purchase tickets at a 50% discount.
What you’ll take away from the conference
- A clear understanding of what the priorities are for Cumbrian local authorities
- Intel on the state of the property market in Cumbria
- Insight into Cumbria’s economic future
- An overview of the residential scene in the county
- Details on where the opportunities are
- New contacts for your business
Speakers confirmed so far:
Cllr Jonathan Brook, Leader, Westmorland & Furness Council
Darren Crossley, director of place, sustainable growth & transport, Cumberland Council
Michelle Rothwell, founder, Watch This Space
Howard Lord, managing director & founder, CERT Property
Gill Haigh, managing director, Cumbria Tourism
James Scott, director, Maple Grove Developments
David Brown, head of development, Castles & Coasts Housing Association
Cllr Lisa Hinton, statutory deputy leader, Cumberland Council
Alex Gardiner, director, Metro Dynamics
Isobel Brown, programme director, Enterprising Cumbria
- DAVID BROWN, CASTLES & COASTS HOUSING ASSOCIATION | David is responsible for CCHA’s new housing programme, ensuring the association has a land supply, designers & contractors in place to deliver 600 new homes across Cumbria and the North East of England. He is also responsible for ensuring CCHA is compliant with the Homes England Capital Funding Guide.
- MICHELLE ROTHWELL, WATCH THIS SPACE | Michelle’s latest work in Cumbria includes two new schemes with a combined value of around £4.4m: Lake District Workspace, comprising 12 speculative self-contained offices, & Lake District Coliving — a purpose-built residential community focused on connection & lifestyle.
- HOWARD LORD, CERT PROPERTY | In 2015, Howard took the decision to transform CERT from a consultancy business to become a developer & manager of residential & commercial properties across the North West. Since then, having delivered c.£200m of projects to date, his biggest motivation is adding value through real estate by creating places people want to live & work, & the ability to positively impact people’s lives through nurturing talent.
- GILL HAIGH, CUMBRIA TOURISM | Gill joined Cumbria Tourism in 2017 following her previous role as director of marketing & recruitment at the University of Cumbria. During a 30 plus year career in marketing & communications, she has gained substantial leadership experience across both the private & public sectors, specifically travel & tourism.
- DARREN CROSSLEY, CUMBERLAND COUNCIL | Darren has substantial experience of leading public sector organisations, the education sector & social enterprise. He is skilled in place-based leadership, crisis management, major capital project delivery, regeneration & economic programme management, local government transformation, arts, culture & tourism development, community engagement, climate change policy & transport planning.
- CLLR JONATHAN BROOK, WESTMORLAND & FURNESS COUNCIL | Jonathan was first elected as a councillor in 2006 & has had various council roles since then, including as leader of South Lakeland District Council, a Member of the Lake District National Park Authority, Kendal Town Council & is a former Mayor of Kendal. Jonathan is currently a board member of Team Barrow the Brilliant Barrow Board, Kendal Futures, Cumbria Tourism, North West Employers, the Borderlands Board & the District Councils Network.
- JAMES SCOTT, MAPLE GROVE DEVELOPMENTS | James is a director and leads on commercial developments for Maple Grove across the North, which are either direct or in partnership with the public or private sector & includes the Lancashire Central development in partnership with Lancashire County Council to deliver 1.7m sq ft of commercial space & Penrith J41 a direct development which will deliver 250,000 sq ft.
- CLLR LISA HINTON, CUMBERLAND COUNCIL| Formerly chair of economic growth scrutiny on Carlisle City Council and former board member of Cumbria LEP, she brings valuable expertise in local government. Lisa's pivotal role in making the right to food a strategic priority for the Council showcases her innovative thinking. Lisa's dedication & leadership significantly contribute to the progress & well-being of the local community.
- ALEX GARDINER, METRO DYNAMICS | Alex is a senior local government specialist who works with places to use data & analysis to develop new strategies & ideas to grow the local economy in ways which work for everyone. Alex worked with Cumbria over six months to co-develop their economic strategy, undertaking large scale engagement & evidence gathering to develop an ambitious set of priorities for Cumbria to focus on.
