Lawrence Conway, chef executive of South Lakeland District Council, argues that the area is perfectly placed for firms to do business

South Lakeland has big ambitions to further grow its economy. It is a place of opportunity. There is confidence in its growing economy.

We want investors to view South Lakeland as a bona fide alternative to the usual places business may consider investing their resource, time and money.

We are proactively working to develop and deliver projects and priorities with the Cumbria LEP, Central Government and our neighbouring authorities.

We are a key player in the Northern Powerhouse, so we are perfectly placed to take advantage of all that that may bring to the North West.

South Lakeland is ahead of game – it is one of only a handful of councils in the North West that has an adopted Local Plan that supports the development of strategic sites for housing and employment.

South Lakeland is home to many international and household name companies, which employ a highly-skilled workforce.

We have a close proximity to the UK market and supply chain, first class transport connections, such as the M6 and West Coast Main Line, a skilled workforce, excellent schools and colleges, quality housing (though we need more) and a quality of life that is second to none, with some of the country'ss most beautiful scenery and cultural attractions. It’s a great place to live, work and explore.

There is major investment into the area over the next five years - for example, GSK, national grid connection, BAE Systems, Sellafield and the UK's largest offshore UK windfarm. The travel to work area and supply chain for all these major investments is either within South Lakeland or in very easy reach of every part of it.

We are home to significant parts of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. Our national parks are not just a great place for a holiday, they are thriving business centres in themselves and we work together to promote growth for the whole area.

There is strong political support for our economic and housing growth plans. They are a fundamental part of our long-term planning and our Council Plan priorities.

Here are some key statistics about South Lakeland.

l Between June and August 2015 there were 165 business start-ups in South Lakeland and accounts for 27 per cent of all the business start-ups in Cumbria.

l 37% of the economically active population have level 4 qualifications – Certificates of Higher education, diplomas in technical, management and/or specialist qualifications

l This is the seventh highest in the whole of the North West of England.

l 21% of Cumbria’s construction jobs are in South Lakeland

l 25% of Cumbria’s retail jobs are in South Lakeland

l 36% of Cumbria’s accommodation and food service jobs are in South Lakeland

l 30% of Cumbria’s information & communication jobs are in South Lakeland

l 35% of Cumbria’s property jobs are in South Lakeland

l 21% of Cumbria’s scientific, professional and technical jobs are in South Lakeland, and this is set to grow.

l 33% of Cumbria’s arts, entertainment and recreation jobs are in South Lakeland

l South Lakeland has a total of 5,925 businesses accounting for 27% of all Cumbria’s total VAT/PAYE paying enterprises.

l Thirty per cent of Cumbria’s Small and Medium sized enterprises are located in South Lakeland

l The three-year survival rate of new enterprises in South Lakeland is higher (61%) than Cumbria (58%) and national (57%) rate.

l It is one of the safest places in the North West

Now, more than ever, we need the investment, innovation and creativity that is a part of what we do so well, and makes use so unique, to shine on the national and international stage. Your council is working hard to make these ambitions a reality.