22/09/03 - Local Economic Initiatives Conference for Copeland

On Wednesday 24thSeptember at 10am in the Westlakes Research Institute, West Lakes Science Park, Whitehaven, Cumbria County Council’s Local Committee for Copeland and Copeland Borough Council is holding an Economic Initiatives Conference.  The Conference will provide the opportunity for organisations and individuals in West Cumbria with an interest in the welfare of the area to consider the key issues that will impact on the local economy and the local employment situation.

The morning session will include key speakers from ERM Economics, North West Development Agency, West Lakes Renaissance, Officers from the County Council and the Borough Council and Helen Costa from the Department of Trade & Industry.  The afternoon session will include workshops to explore some of the opportunities that exist to provide employment in the future and to identify what needs to be done to ensure that these opportunities are made available.  It is hoped that the conference will identify some key co-ordinated tasks that can be pursued that will assist West Cumbria in moving forward.

County Councillor Ronnie Calvin, Chair of the Local Committee says 

“We haveorganised an Economic Conference for the past few years now.  This year has been organised to explore the key factors that would shape the future of the local economy, the current work being undertaken to address the potential problems and the capacity that would be needed to deliver a programme of regeneration for West Cumbria. It will also give us an opportunity to explore some of the opportunities that already exist to develop the local economy.

It is so important that all organisations and individuals with an interest in the welfare of the local community are aware of the factors that will influence the economy in the future and identify what needs to be done to address the problems.  As a Local Committee we recognised the need to take steps to help develop the local economy so set up Economic Initiatives Fund and this conference will help inform our Members as to which initiatives this fund should be targeting in the future.  We recognise that the planned changes in the nuclear industry will require a major restructuring of the economy in West Cumbria if sufficient job opportunities are to be made available to meet the needs of the current population.  

The Conference will also give representatives the opportunity to look at the steps that are being taken by key government departments and agency’s to begin to assist the area to meet its future needs.  There are still so many opportunities for further development and investment within this area.  It is all of our responsibility to regenerate this area for the benefit of the people of Copeland and I am delighted that we have this opportunity for all partners to work together.”  

Copeland Borough Council’s Leader, Elaine Woodburn says,

“Improving the economic viability of Copeland is extremely high on our agenda, especially in this time when we are all concerned about the possible job losses at Sellafield. We feel this conference will bring all the agencies and the main players into one place and I am confident that we can all work together to manage the change that is needed.”

Councillor Norman Williams, Business Growth Portfolio Holder for Copeland Borough Council, says, 

"This is only the first of many workshops which will address economic problems. Copeland Borough Council's priority is the regeneration of the area, especially providing more job opportunities, and it is targeting resources to this area".