Almost 230 guests attended a special dinner bringing together local businesses and government representatives.

Cumbria Chamber and South Lakeland District Council’s (SLDC) twelfth dinner took place on March 10 at Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, with the theme of ‘celebrating the past, embracing the future’.

After welcome drinks, guests were seated for the first speech of the evening, given by Cllr Pete McSweeney, chairman of SLDC, who talked about the ‘numerous achievements’ of the council over the years.

The plans for the changeover into the new council were then outlined in a speech by Cllr Jonathan Brook, leader of SLDC Council and Westmorland and Furness Council.

Cumbria Chamber’s Suzanne Caldwell thanked the council for its work during its tenure remarking on the ‘committed, proactive and supportive approach’ of elected members and staff.

The after-dinner speech was given by Steve Timms, managing director of BAE Systems Submarines in Barrow, who spoke about his own career path from a 16-year-old apprentice to managing director, the delivery of the Dreadnought nuclear submarines programme, and BAE’s plans to significantly expand its workforce over the coming years.

Chamber’s head of commercial and business growth, Eve Halliday, rounded off the speeches, pointing people to keep an eye on their emails for further events.

At the end of the evening, prizes were drawn from the raffle which raised £1,300 for Carer Support South Lakes.

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