One of Cumbria’s best-known chief executives is set to kick off a new series of lectures this month. 

The University of Cumbria is welcoming one of its honorary fellows, Sarah Dunning OBE, chief executive of the Westmorland Family which runs Tebay Services, Gloucester Services and the Rheged Centre near Penrith. 

Her talk is entitled 'It’s the journey not the destination' and will be held at the university’s Fusehill Street campus on Thursday February 25 at 4.00pm. 

The lecture will cover the origins and growth of the family business, the challenges along the way and how its success has been dependent upon staying close to its roots and true to its values. 

“It’s really important not to be distracted by the competition,” she explains. 

“Instead, focus on getting better at your own game; as Michael Caine recently said “you’re only ever in competition with yourself.” 

Sandra Booth, pro vice chancellor for enterprise, business development and engagement at the university said: “We see these guest lectures as an ideal opportunity for the university to be more open and accessible to the public. The speakers are all our honorary fellows and cover a range of experience and expertise across the business community, the arts and outdoors. 

“Sarah’s lecture is the start of an entertaining and informative series of talks, which will hopefully be of interest to many people in the local community.” 

The University of Cumbria awarded Sarah Dunning an honorary fellowship in November 2012 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to business in the community and her charitable work in supporting Cumbrian initiatives. 

The lectures are free and open to the public, although booking is required by emailing carol.milnes@cumbria.ac.uk