AN INITIATIVE which will regenerate a community and create more than 700 jobs is being launched after receiving vital financial backing.

iSH (the Industrial Solutions Hub) which will bring employment, skills and training opportunities to Cleator Moor, Cumbria has received support from both Sellafield and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

iSH was officially launched on Thursday, March 24 at Copeland Mayor’s third Open for Business Conference at Whitehaven Golf Club.

A community launch for iSH is also taking place at Cleator Moor Civic Hall on Friday, March 25.

John Maddison, managing director of iSH which will have its base at Leconfield, Cleator Moor, said: “iSH is an initiative of regional, national and international significance.

"iSH is about Making Ideas Work. It's about creating the environment for jobs, employment, skills and training opportunities.

“And most of all, through that success and business growth, it's about making a positive difference to people's lives and regenerating a community.”

iSH is an initiative led by Copeland Borough Council.

Mayor of Copeland, Mike Starkie, said: “iSH will change the fortunes of those living in Cleator Moor. The concept is innovative, exciting and will lift the aspirations of those living and working in the town. It will also attract world class businesses to the area. Its reach can be global.”

Gary McKeating, head of community and development for Sellafield Ltd said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the iSH project.

“iSH will give us space to work with our supply chain partners on innovative solutions to deliver our purpose of creating a clean and safe environment for future generations.”

Part of the initial funding for the iSH project comes through the Cleator Moor Town Deal. The Town Deal Board, working with Copeland Borough Council, secured an offer of £22.5m from Government in June 2021 to deliver its Town Investment Plan which will help the area and its communities to thrive for years to come.

John Maddison said: “Our economic assessment has estimated that the initial redevelopment, supported through Town Deal, will generate more than 100 new jobs over a period of 18 months, with the overall scheme creating more than 700 new jobs in the next 10 to 15 years.”