MORE than 50 businesses were represented at the first in-Cumbria networking event at The Halston in Carlisle. 

Hosted by Newsquest’s Emily Wood, Head of Outside Sales, and Joy Yates, North Cumbria Editor, representatives from businesses across all disciplines and areas of Cumbria attended the event to mark the relaunch of the magazine. 

With free product samples provided by partners Kin Vodka and Cumbria Distilling Co, there was a buoyant and convivial atmosphere as people met and exchanged stories.

Carol Fish, at Cartmell Shepherd, said: “Such a truly friendly and supportive bunch.”

Ray McCreadie, business coach and in-Cumbria columnist, said: “The new-look magazine is being really well received and reflects the skills and diversity of Cumbria.”

The event was attended by business representatives from across all of Cumbria including Harry Tonge from Kendal-based planning consultants Steven Abbott Associates and Cumbria-wide Luxury Cottages.

Kevin Warman, business development manager for Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, was impressed with the turnout and welcomed a further opportunity for businesses to network and get together.

The support leading up to the event on social media and afterwards was extremely positive with event partner The Halston on LinkedIn saying: “Fantastic turnout at our first business networking event.”

Emily said: “Future sessions, which will be held every last Thursday of the month, will include different content and formats, but the emphasis will always be on providing business people with an informal place where they can socialise and enjoy being part of such an innovative and entrepreneurial business community.” 

Joy said: “It was wonderful to have such a great turnout at our first event. It was obvious that business people across the county really want somewhere to meet in person…Teams and Zoom are here to stay but nothing beats actually chatting to people in an informal setting and that’s what we want to provide every month. The support on social media – particularly LinkedIn - both before and after the event was amazing. Let’s keep the contact going and I look forward to seeing everyone again next month.”

A programme of content will be released later in the year. All the sessions will be free but registration is needed in advance. The next event is at The Halston on September 29 from 5pm. 

*in-Cumbria is also organising another networking event to be held at the North Lakes Hotel in Penrith to celebrate Women in Business, the focus of the September edition. More details and how to register for free tickets will be published on www.in-cumbria.com

READ MORE: New-look in-Cumbria magazine represents Cumbria’s thriving business