THE Institute of Directors North West is hosting a half-day celebration event to honour some of the most successful companies in Cumbria as well as the 40th anniversary of the founding of the county.

The gathering, at Penrith's Rheged Centre, on Friday, will be addressed by some of the region's top business leaders, including Jackie Arnold, who is responsible for financial strategy at BAE Systems in Barrow, and Sellafield Ltd's deputy managing director George Beveridge, who is also chairman of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.

The institute's Cumbria chairman Neil McNicholas said: “We are proud to acknowledge the success of our region and those who have invested, time, money and trust in Cumbria. The list of speakers gives a flavour of how many influential and powerful people conduct business in Cumbria.

“The real purpose of the event is to highlight the successes of the region and encourage business owners and managers to come together and create a stronger business and community network. Along with the 40th anniversary of the region, the day is set to be an excellent and joyous event.”


Barclays, along with Linder Myers Solicitors, will be sponsoring the event.

Sarah Offland, relationship director, Barclays Corporate Banking in Cumbria, said: “We are delighted to be affiliated and sponsor such a worthy event. The Cumbria region has much to be proud of with some fantastic businesses and we are very excited to see the changes that are about to take place.”