FAMED for its rolling hills and stunning countryside, there is little wonder tourists flock in their millions to Lake District every year.

But behind the beauty there also lies a booming business industry to be proud of.

From pharmaceutical giants Glaxo SmithKline in Ulverston, to wind turbine makers Gilbert Gilkes in Kendal and Lakeland, which has its HQ in Windermere, the whole of South Lakeland is packed with high-tech, forward-thinking and globally-important companies.

As the Government battles to balance the country’s books, what can the next occupant of Number 10 Downing Street do to help companies and boost tourism?

Paul Foster, development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses in Cumbria and Lancashire, said simplifying tax, reforming business rates, boosting broadband speeds and supporting more young people would be a start.

“Despite improving statistics, the UK is still less productive per person than many of our international counterparts and we need to address this before we see wages increase,” he said.

Rob Johnston, chief executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said a quick resolution to the ‘in-out’ European question was crucial, as was maintaining financial support, such as the Regional Growth Fund, and keeping red-tape away from businesses.

And while tourists do come in their millions, managing director of Cumbria Tourism Ian Stephens says more can still be done.

“In comparison to many areas, tourism in Cumbria is strong and is doing well,” he said. “It can do better and there is scope for more growth both in value and volume terms throughout the county.”

“Significant transport improvements are slow to materialise as is the promise of super-fast broadband and mobile communications. These are major issues holding back investment.”

He added a raft of legislation including high VAT and ‘unhelpful’ Visa conditions was making Cumbria less attractive to high spending overseas visitors.

What the candidates say about buisness and tourism:

 

CHRIS LOYNES, The Green Party
“If I were a business leader in charge of an organisation wedded to an economic model of exponential growth on a finite planet I would be worried. They need political support not business as usual policies – the Green Party is the only party with the vision to re-imagine an economy.
Businesses are the way we meet our needs and achieve fulfilling lives. I have run my own business for 25 years.Small businesses with short supply chains and meeting local needs are critical to the future of the economy.”

 

TIM FARRON, Liberal Democrat
“We will continue our industrial and tourism strategy, developing the skilled workforce needed to support an expansion of high-quality and advanced apprenticeships and giving extra support for green innovation. 

“Helping to create more well paid jobs is my top priority. That’s why over the last five years we have seen the regeneration of the Gilkes site, £13.4m funding for Windermere Steamboat Mus-eum, re-opening of the university at Ambleside and an engineering hub at Kendal College.”

ANN MYATT, Conservative
“Conservatives know that business is the lifeblood of the economy, creating jobs and generating wealth and the taxes we need to support public services. In Cumbria, tourism is our biggest industry and provides most jobs, many in small businesses. Conservatives have supported small business and, if elected, will do even more in the next Parliament to reduce taxes and red tape. Locally, we will protect the green belt, improve road and rail links and reduce parking charges, as high charges deter tourists.”

JOHN BATESON, Labour
“Businesses have been squeezed by rising rates under the coalition. Instead of cutting corporation tax again for big business, Labour will cut rates for small businesses this year and freeze them in 2016-17. We will set up an Infrastructure Commission and a British Investment Bank, and reform the banking system so that it works for businesses and families. Labour will encourage small businesses to form co-operatives to promote tourism locally, and electrification of railways will also boost tourism.”

 

Alan Piper, Ukip

We do weel outsidye Westmorland and Lonsdale with high tech industries welcomed in Ulverston and Barrow. Here in Westmorland and Lonsdale inadequate roads and feudal LDNPA attitudes are strangling communities like Coniston and Hawkshead. Planning, lack of accountability, a focus on the A591, the total failure to balance local housing needs with visitors are all issues. I would like to see changes to VAT which would help micro tourist businesses, a vision beyond the A591 and see every National Park Authority made accountable for their Statutory Duty (basically to look after the local communities).