People are invited to have their say on an ambitious plan to revitalise the economy in Eden.
The district council recently published Inspiring Eden and now it wants to hear what people think.
Backed by a £780,000 investment, Inspiring Eden sets out the council’s plans for economic recovery and prosperity and an overarching vision to achieve rural excellence, it said.
The first round of informal consultation is now open, and residents and businesses are being asked to have their say on the Business Support prospectus, a sector-focussed Visitor Economy prospectus and a Business Charter prospectus.
The Business Support prospectus outlines the range of offers for local businesses to help them recover and thrive.
Eden firms can access funded membership to a number of local business networks, up to £2,000 grant from the Eden Apprenticeship Scheme, guidance and funding to reduce their carbon footprint through the Greening Eden Business Grant, one-to-one expert business support and access to a range of other support offers available across the district.
The Visitor Economy prospectus pulls together and drives forward a range of initiatives to support this sector with the key focus being on collaboration through the Eden Tourism Network.
The Business Charter prospectus sets out how the council will align its services behind economic recovery and prosperity, and provides a platform for the council to understand business needs, demands and ambitions in the business community.
An Eden District Council spokesman said: “We’re delighted that the Inspiring Eden work streams are now being rolled out, to turn our vision and ambitions into action on the ground.
“This will include utilising the £780,000 investment by Eden District Council to support delivery and lever in funding from others, such as the Government’s Levelling Up agenda and Shared Prosperity Fund, as well as the Borderlands investment for Penrith.”
“Collaboration will be critical for success, we’re keen that all local and strategic partners input into both policy development and project delivery.”
The Inspiring Eden programme has been pieced together following feedback from local stakeholders and in collaboration with organisations including Eden District Council, Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Family Business Network, Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership, Red Kite Innovations and several of the district’s businesses.
Economic development activities will be taken forward through 14 work streams. These include: business support, employment and skills, connectivity, the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project, inward investment, sites and premises, and town centre plans. The work streams also focus on a range of sectors including the visitor economy, knowledge-based industries, rural economy and creative industries. Further consultation on the remaining work streams will take place soon.
The Visitor Economy and Business Support prospectuses are available to view at www.investineden.co.uk/why-eden/inspiring-eden
Email comments to econ.dev@eden.gov.uk by Friday May 27.
