This week we spoke to Keith Jackson, a man with fingers in many pies.

He juggles working with the University of Cumbria’s Centre for Regional Economic Development, Jardine Jackson Associates and coffee company, Bruce & Lukes.

Keith spoke to us about the Cumbrian skills gap, diversity in business, and the plans to install electric vehicle charging points across the county.

Cumbria skills gap

I was at a recent Carlisle Ambassadors meeting and the enthusiasm and drive in the room convinced me that we can ride any storm here in Cumbria.

It’s a nationwide problem and I think we’re strong enough to deal with it.

Carlisle College and the University are working hard to address the issue, and the College has just been appointed an engineering trailblazer specializing in food and drink so it will be at the forefront of that.

I do feel there’s something in the air at the moment about businesses really working together more, particularly in the food industry which is very strong in Carlisle.

Electric Vehicle charging contract awarded

I think it’s the way to go, I know there are a couple of businesses hiring out electric cars locally and we’ve recently worked with Solway Renewables who installed charging points along the Hadrian’s Wall route.

It shows the county is moving forward and raising its profile.

“Nuclear industry is too white, too male and too middle-aged”  

I spent 20 years working with my wife and she was the driving force behind everything we did so I have the utmost respect for women in business.

I think we have to recognise the ability of the person first and not their gender.

West Cumbria has a long industrial history and you can see how these attitudes have come about. 

Who is Keith Jackson?

I work with the University of Cumbria as part of the Centre for Regional Economic Development, which involves contract and academic research into the supply chain and its relationship with regional development. I also work with Carlisle Food City which is a partnership between local food producers and retailers where i’ve just completed a survey of local food businesses.

I also have to give a shout-out to my colleague Emma Dixon who recently gave a presentation to the World Health Organization.

I’m also a director at my youngest son Luke's business, Bruce and Luke's coffee, and provide back office support to them. They’ve just launched their own coffee delivery service which is really exciting. They own Foxes Cafe Lounge in Carlisle and are looking to expand now so it’s great to be a part of that.