A well-known figure in the Cumbrian business community is embarking on a tour of the county’s businesses to promote the work of a much-loved local charity.

Sue Howorth, who is the founder of the Family Business Network and a board member for the Cumbria Community Foundation will undertake a tour of twenty Cumbrian family businesses this week.

It is part of work to highlight the activities of the foundation, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Over the past 20 years the foundation has given over £44 million to charitable causes across the county.

The foundation has set a fundraising target of £250,000 and aims to increase membership numbers during the year.

Sue said: “As a trustee of the Foundation, I wanted to find a way to show my support and highlight the fantastic work that they do.

"There seemed to be a natural cross-over with the foundation supporting projects across the whole of Cumbria and the support and events that I offer family firms across the county through the Family Business Network.

“It has become apparent to me over the many years of working closely with family businesses, how involved they often are within their community and how supportive they are of local causes."

Andy Beeforth, chief executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “This is such a great idea.

"Sue is one of our trustees and is seen as a game changer and visionary for both global business and family business support in Cumbria.

"We are very grateful for Sue’s support in taking on this challenge and helping with our bid to highlight the work of the foundation in our 20th anniversary year.

"Our role at the Community Foundation is to bring people together who want to help Cumbrian communities make a real difference, whether that’s our fundholders, who have helped us give out more than £44 million in grants, or the community leaders we support who are addressing real issues and changing lives for the better."

Sue added: “I decided a road trip around the county would work really well, so I have invited twenty family businesses to form a part of my tour to mark the twentieth anniversary celebrations.

"I’ll be travelling from Kirkby Lonsdale and Grange in the South, across to Ulverston and Barrow, to Whitehaven and Workington in the West and up to businesses around Penrith and Carlisle further north.

“On my tour, I also plan to visit two of the projects that the Foundation has helped, Love Barrow Families and Women’s Community Matters in Barrow-in-Furness. I’m really looking forward to seeing the positive work that they do first hand.”