ONE hundred leading lights from across the hospitality industry are set to welcome over a thousand visitors to the Lake District.

The 42nd Lakes Hospitality Trade Show will take on Wednesday, March 1 and Thursday, March 2.

Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrats and MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, will open the show which is free to trade visitors.

A celebration of the region’s hospitality sector, it is the first event to be held in Cumbria’s largest Exhibition Hall: Junction 36 Rural Auction Centre.

This year’s show sees branding and online marketing experts join established exhibitors - of benefit to those looking to capitalise on a successful bid for Lake District World Heritage Status, the decision will be announced in July.

Also new for 2017 is a programme of seven, free 45 minute workshops.

On Wednesday March 1 Sue Coulson of Coulson Associates, in partnership with Dave Clarkson of Armstrong Watson, is hosting a Cumbria Family Business Network Insight Event.

Their guests Keith, Matt and Ben McClure, two generations of the 70 year old catering wholesaler, will talk candidly about the history of their Windermere-based business and what the future holds.

On Wednesday and Thursday Paul Saxby from eviivo, the independent hotels and B&Bs online booking specialist, will discuss latest trends and the most effective way to promote and sell rooms online without breaking the bank.

Adam Thorp from TheBrandChap will run sessions for business owners and senior decision makers on how to transform businesses into brands and he challenge conventional thinking in an audience Q&A session.

Employment lawyer Kate Shawcross and HR advisor Stuart Lowery from Napthens Solicitors will cover managing a flexible workforce, attracting and retaining talent, business growth and the impact of Brexit on the sector.

Further information, including how to secure a place on the workshops, can be found at www.lakeshospitalitytradeshow.co.uk/workshops.