High profile Cumbrian businesswoman Sue Coulson revealed her favourite CN Group Business Awards winner, and welcomed Primark’s desire to come to Carlisle.

Sue runs business support service Coulson Associates, and took ten minutes out of her busy schedule to discuss this week’s big news.

Primark in Carlisle 

This is great news and I think it will be really good for the city. Well known brands being attracted to Cumbria is a good sign.

New jobs being created is a good thing and makes up for jobs being lost elsewhere.

CN Group Business Awards

 I work closely with the Chamber of Commerce who support the awards and was delighted with the winners.

I was particularly pleased to see Playdale Playgrounds win two awards. Their growth and strategy plan is impressive - taking strategic risks but seeking the right support.

They aren’t afraid to open their doors to support others as well.

What’s new at Coulson Associates?

 We are currently delivery partners for the Family Business Network in the Cumbria Growth Hub and that is a big focus.

We are also going to be a commercial partner for the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show. Next year it will be at the auction mart at Junction 36, attracting a wider audience.

Inspiring young people 

There has been a lot of conversation about recruitment and inspiring younger people to let them know about the opportunities here in Cumbria.

Businesses need to collaborate with education.

We organised a series of events earlier this year and the feedback from businesses and people that attended was that 14-16 year olds they know would have no idea of what sort of opportunities are available in Cumbria.