Westmorland and Furness Council has set out its long-term vision for a stronger, more inclusive and more sustainable economy over the next decade.
The Inclusive and Green Economic Growth Strategy 2026-35 has been co-developed using a strong evidence base and through extensive engagement with partners, businesses, local members, town and parish councils, and the wider community.
Cabinet members approved the strategy earlier this year and it is set to be launched next week at UKREiiF, the annual event bringing together the public sector – with every core UK city and region involved – alongside government, investors, funders, developers, housebuilders and more.
The vision for 2035 is encapsulated as “Thriving Together,” where Westmorland and Furness works in partnership to foster a diverse, inclusive, and sustainable economy connecting vibrant and enterprising places and ensuring prosperity and opportunity for all.
Angela Jones, Director of Thriving Places, said: "This comes at a time of great opportunity and change in Cumbria with the establishment of the new Combined Authority. It is especially important that we maximise these opportunities, such as those presented through the new Mayoral Investment Fund, by clearly articulating our local priorities and making the case for investment to support sustainable prosperity for our residents and businesses.”
"We’re aware there are challenges facing the area’s economy and continuing uncertainty but this strategy demonstrates how we will face those challenges and embrace opportunities by focusing on creating the conditions for inclusive and green growth, supporting businesses to thrive, improving skills and opportunities for our residents, strengthening infrastructure and connectivity, and making sure our economy works for communities across the whole of Westmorland and Furness.
“The strategy also supports delivery of our Council Plan, it aligns with our ambitions for better jobs, stronger businesses, vibrant places, improved wellbeing, and growth that protects and enhances our natural environment.”
It provides the strategic framework that will guide future decisions, shape economic priorities, and underpin an accompanying Economic Action Plan.
The strategy is structured around three thematic pillars: People, Business and Place.
The People Pillar seeks to enhance quality of life and skills through aiming to ensure all residents benefit from prosperity and opportunity.
The Business Pillar aims to underpin the economy with a resilient, enterprising business base that supports growth, wellbeing and inclusivity.
The Place Pillar emphasises the importance of making Westmorland and Furness an attractive, vibrant place to live, work and invest.
Through the timeframe of the strategy, it will seek to strengthen the local economy and increase prosperity by:
- Growing the working age population;
- Increasing the employment rate;
- Increasing net business formation rate;
- Increasing the productivity of our economy and closing the productivity gap;
- Ensuring a skilled workforce aligned to business needs;
- Reducing inequalities and deprivation;
- Improving life chances for children and young people;
- Achieving carbon net zero by 2037.
Westmorland and Furness Council is joining forces with Cumbria Combined Authority, Enterprising Cumbria, Cumberland Council to promote the area’s investment opportunities and development plans at UKREiiF next week (Tuesday 19 – Thursday 21 May 2026), with the event set to attract 16,000 delegates and more than 1,750 potential investors.
Hosted in Leeds, the event connects people, places and businesses to accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment.
Across the programme, Cumbria will highlight opportunities ranging from the launch of the new Combined Authority and what devolution means for investors, to major developments such as the £200 million Barrow Rising transformation.
Sessions will also showcase the region’s leadership in clean energy and industrial decarbonisation, the role of ports and coastal regeneration, the strength of the visitor economy and tourism sector, and the importance of infrastructure connectivity beyond the M6.