Almost 40 firms from across Penrith and Eden have met to discuss how to drive growth.

The business breakfast event was hosted by Penrith Chamber of Trade and Commerce, in partnership with and Eden District Council and Lancaster University.

Jo Lappin, chief executive of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, spoke about the county's Local Industry Strategy.

She said: “The strategy will be helping shape Cumbria’s economy over the coming decade, outlining how we can maximise economic opportunities, increase productivity, deliver inclusive growth and address our key challenges in both Eden and Cumbria more widely.”

Hosted at The George Hotel in Penrith, the event helped businesses understand – and shape – the future growth priorities in the region.

Oliver Shimell, assistant director of planning and economic development at Eden District Council, said: “The series of breakfast events aim to encourage good discussion and debate around important, but often challenging subjects. The feedback received here today will all go in to help shape our plan for the future of the district.”

The event was the second in a business breakfast programme.

Stephen Macaulay, president of Penrith Chamber of Trade & Commerce said: “We were really pleased to see so many businesses attending the event and engaging in important discussions about Penrith and Eden.”

The final event will be held on Wednesday June 19. Visit

www.penrithchamberoftrade.org.uk/events

to book.