The benefits of investing in Cumbria will be showcased at a three-day business conference (Tuesday 19 - Thursday 21 May 2026) which is set to attract 16,000 delegates and more than 1,750 potential investors.
UKREiiF, hosted in Leeds, connects people, places and businesses to accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment.
The annual event brings together the public sector – with every core UK city and region involved – alongside government, investors, funders, developers, housebuilders and more.
Cumbria Combined Authority, Enterprising Cumbria, Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council are joining forces to promote the area’s investment opportunities and development plans.
A Cumbria pavilion includes a packed three-day programme of networking, panels and roundtable events. They’ll be based in the Dockside (pink zone) number three pavilion, close to the entrance to the event.
Council representatives, politicians and leading business representatives will be taking part in the Cumbria programme.
Olympic champion Sir Bradley Wiggins. Britain’s first Tour de France winner will be there to help shine a national spotlight on the county’s growth ambitions and major investment opportunities.
He will take part in a themed networking reception and a special Q&A exploring how world class sporting events can boost places, communities and tourism. The cyclist’s involvement also builds excitement for the Tour de France Grand Départ coming to Cumbria in 2027, when the county will host two stages of the world famous race.
The Cumbria Pavilion will present a unified regional investment offer. National policymakers, industry leaders and high profile speakers will join regional partners to discuss collaboration, innovation and sustainable growth.
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 St Cuthbert’s Garden Village in Carlisle and 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.
Angela Jones, Director of Thriving Places, Westmorland & Furness Council, said: "Showcasing Cumbria's many, varied and significant opportunities to national policymakers, decision-makers and industry leaders at an event such as this increases focus on our area and stimulates investment. The forums and conversations which take place helps attract the people and organisations who can work with us to turn these massive opportunities into reality."
John Barradell OBE, Interim Chief Executive of Cumbria Combined Authority, said: “UKREiiF is a great opportunity to have real conversations about Cumbria: what we’re good at, what we’re building, and why this is the right time to invest here.
“Across the county, we’re working together to make it easier for businesses and investors to get things done. If people are looking for opportunity, ambition and a place that can deliver, we’re looking forward to showing them what Cumbria has to offer.”
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: “I am delighted that our area and development opportunities will be showcased at a leading national event. Cumberland Council wants to do all we can to support local businesses in our area and events of this type showcase the region to potential investors and puts the spotlight on Cumberland and the wider region.
“We are delighted that Sir Bradley Wiggins can join us at UKREiiF as we look forward to welcoming the Tour de France to not only one venue but two in Cumberland in summer 2027. We will be hosting a start and a finish event, over two stages and two days. An ideal opportunity to make a visit and enjoy a long weekend of sporting excellence.”
Alongside the main sessions, the Pavilion will host networking breakfasts, investor drop ins and evening receptions to connect investors directly with the organisations shaping Cumbria’s economic future.
David Beeby, Chair of Cumbria Economic Growth Board said:
“Cumbria’s presence at UKREiiF will continue conversations started at our recent showcase event in Westminster and provide a national platform to present the county’s ambition, collaboration and readiness for investment.”
Session sponsors include Muse; Savills; Pinsent Mason; 31Ten; Hyas; Barrow Rising; DSD Construction; BAE Systems; Tetra Tech; Kingmoor Park; SP Electricity North West; BEC; Mott McDonald and Sellafield.
Suppliers of Cumbrian products at the exhibition pavilion have been provided by: Keswick Brewing Company; West Walls Brewing Co; Cliché Drinks and McVitie’s.