BOOMING South Lakeland has experienced a massive economic explosion which has made it the top performing authority in Cumbria and North Lancashire.

New figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that more than £100 million has been added to the value of goods and services produced in the area with economic activity out performing that of the neighbouring district authorities and the cities of Carlisle and Lancaster.

“South Lakeland is the strongest performer of the county’s six districts, which underlines the fact that it’s a great place to do business," said Rob Johnston, chief executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce. “The chamber has been working with local authorities, including South Lakeland District Council (SLDC), to ensure that businesses maximise the opportunities and remove obstacles to growth.

“It’s gratifying to see this partnership approach is paying dividends.”

South Lakeland’s total Gross Value Added (GVA) rose from £2.512 billion in 2015 to £2.615 billion in 2016, an increase of £103 million.

GVA is a measure of the value of goods and services and is regarded as a key indicator of solid economic activity.

SLDC said the encouraging figures reflect an increasing confidence to invest in the area.

"This is the strongest indicator yet of the district’s growing economic emergence," said Cllr Graham Vincent, portfolio holder for economy and assets. "South Lakeland is in this position because steady growth across much of our economy has continued to deliver successful business outcomes.

“A high level of new enterprises are starting up. We are creating a business-friendly environment and by valuing businesses as we do, companies know we will do our best for them.”

He added: “This council is committed to attracting inward investment, supporting the development of higher paid jobs and helping our towns and villages to thrive commercially. These figures prove we are attracting new businesses, encouraging sustained growth and leading the way in terms of delivering real economic success.”

Kendal Business Improvement District chair Sarah Williams welcomed the news and said the town was prospering thanks to a collective effort.

"We are obviously ecstatic," she said. "When the district is growing and growing considerably that's good for Kendal anyway, because it's a commuter town to other areas.

"It was only two years ago that we were under water and it was all doom and gloom, and now we have this fantastic news.

"I don't think you can attribute it to any one thing – it's down to many things – but businesses have confidence in coming here."

Robin Sadler, chairman of the Kirkby Lonsdale Chamber of Trade, painted a similar story of success in the Lune Valley.

"The business economy in Kirkby Lonsdale has gone from strength to strength in recent years," he said. "It has developed into a town where a lot of businesses want to relocate or start up because of the likely returns it is going to deliver.

"This is a nod to the past really because a lot of work has been done and is still going on. I think the wider South Lakes area has been picking up on what has been going on in the likes of Kirkby Lonsdale."

New employment figures from the ONS also show the number of people employed in professional jobs in South Lakeland rose from 37 per cent to 43 per cent between 2014 and 2017. Skilled trades increased slightly from 27 per cent to 28 per cent in the same period and the semi-skilled workforce reduced from 27 per cent to 13 per cent, reflecting a reduction in retail jobs.

“These statistics are encouraging as they show that the jobs being created are quality, higher paid jobs that may well offer a career path for continued employment,” said Cllr Vincent.

More good news is expected when the findings of the annual South Lakeland Business Premises Survey is published in a few weeks. Around 1,100 business owners have responded so far, with many indicating they feel positive about the prospects for future growth.

One of the latest companies to invest and create jobs in South Lakeland is a global brand with a world class reputation.

The new John Deere agricultural machinery showroom and service centre will open later this month next to the auction mart at Crooklands near Kendal.

The dealership will be run by Cornthwaite Agricultural Ltd, specialists who already hold the franchise for John Deere in Lancashire and Cheshire.

Managing director Stuart Cornthwaite said setting up business in the district had been remarkably straight forward.

“Everybody has been very professional and supportive in welcoming us into the area, sharing our goals and backing us all the way," he said. "Out of all of our outlets this has been the easiest and most satisfying in terms of recruitment.

“Finding the right staff is always one of our biggest challenges and yet it’s been really easy here. The quality of staff has impressed us and we’re really looking forward to doing business here.”

The dealership has created 25 new jobs of which 17 staff have already been hired, and the business is expected to have an annual turnover of around £18million.

Michelle Rothwell is a property investment specialist with a reputation for award-winning urban regeneration projects in cities like Manchester.

Her latest project, close to her home in South Lakeland, has convinced her that the local rural economy is growing and businesses are expanding.

Her company, Watch This Space, has converted the former Duke William Hotel in Staveley into seven contemporary offices called Billy’s Space. She said she has been overwhelmed by the response.

“We’ve only been open a few weeks but already two of the offices are occupied and there is a lot of interest in the remaining five," she said. "It tells me that there is real appetite out there in South Lakeland which is an amazing place to grow your business."