Cumbria is England’s second largest county representing 48% of the land mass of the North West. The area is home to the beautiful Lake District and half the county is designated as National Park or Areas of Outstanding National Beauty. Alongside this physical beauty is an economy which provides employment for over 215,000 people in over 20,000 enterprises which together produces £6.7bn in gross value. Major business sectors include manufacturing, tourism-related and the public sector. The workforce has internationally renowned skills in nuclear, naval shipbuilding and specialist engineering. 

Cumbria County Council is dedicated to making Cumbria more prosperous through sustainable economic development and regeneration coupled with improvements to transport and infrastructure network. We are committed to increasing employment opportunities within the county and championing Cumbria as one of the UKs premier investment locations.

Throughout this section you will find information and advice on employment and all aspects of business and enterprise in Cumbria. You can also find information on how the council is looking to develop a sustainable and prosperous economy through regeneration and supporting improvements to the county’s infrastructure, enterprise and skills base.