Cumberland Council Launches 10 Year Plan to Grow Economy and Attract Investment
Cumberland Council has launched a new 10-year economic strategy aimed at growing the local economy. Aiming at attracting investment and creating more opportunities for residents and businesses.
The Cumberland Economic Strategy sets out the council’s plans up to 2036. It focuses on jobs, skills, housing, transport, business support and major investment sites across the Cumberland area.
The 52 page strategy was developed with local communities, businesses, education partners and regional stakeholders. It says Cumberland has more than 280,000 residents, around 11,200 businesses and contributes £7.3 billion to the UK economy.
A plan for growth and opportunity
The council says the strategy is designed to build a stronger, fairer and more resilient economy.
Its main aim is to make sure growth benefits local people, not just large projects or outside investors. The plan also looks at how Cumberland can make better use of its existing strengths.
These include clean energy, advanced manufacturing, nuclear, tourism, culture, rural industries and the natural environment.
Key sectors named in the strategy
The strategy highlights several areas where Cumberland could see future growth.
These include:
- clean growth
- advanced manufacturing
- nuclear and decommissioning
- visitor, leisure and culture
- rural businesses
- farming and land-based industries
- digital and technology
The council also points to major investment sites. Such as Pioneer Park, the Port of Workington Clean Energy Hub and Kingmoor Park as important locations for future growth.
Visitor economy worth £1.35 billion
Tourism and leisure are also a major part of the plan.
The strategy says Cumberland’s visitor economy had a direct economic impact of around £1.35 billion in 2024. The council wants to build on this by promoting the area’s culture, landscape and local businesses.
This could include support for tourism, events, hospitality and rural businesses, while also protecting the environment that attracts visitors in the first place.
Jobs, skills and young people
A major part of the strategy is focused on helping people into work and giving young people better chances.
The council says it wants to:
- give children and young people the best start
- improve careers advice and guidance
- grow a skilled workforce
- help people stay in work
- remove barriers to employment
- support better health and wellbeing
The strategy also links health, education and work. It says better support can help more people access jobs, training and long-term opportunities.
Housing, transport and digital links
The plan also looks at the wider issues that affect economic growth.
This includes the need for better housing, stronger transport links and energy infrastructure.
The council says good housing is needed to attract and keep workers. It also says better connectivity can help people reach training, education and jobs, especially in rural communities.
Support for local businesses
Cumberland Council says it will work with partners to help businesses start, grow and become more resilient.
This includes support for new jobs, productivity, innovation and access to investment.
The strategy also talks about strengthening the “foundational economy”. This means the everyday businesses and services that support local life, such as shops, care, food, trades and community services.
Strategy already under way
The council says work on the strategy has already started.
The first phase is focused on business support, skills development and investment in key infrastructure projects. The strategy will also be shared with investors and partners at the Cumbria UKREiiF pavilion in Leeds from May 19 to May 21, 2026.
Council leader says strategy is about unlocking potential
Cumberland Council leader Councillor Mark Fryer said the area is at a key moment and that the strategy sets out a clear direction for the future.
He said the plan is about unlocking Cumberland’s potential and building an economy that supports innovation, local enterprise, jobs, skills and investment.
The council says delivery will rely on partnership working with government bodies, private businesses, local organisations and regional partners. This will include masterplans, investment work and support for major opportunity sites.
