in-Cumbria and Cumbria Tourism host networking event in Carlisle

Almost 100 business representatives attended the networking event at The Halston hotel in Carlisle, organised by Newsquest's in-Cumbria magazine in association with Cumbria Tourism.

The speakers included Yann Besombes from The Halston Aparthotel, Cath Coates of Carlisle Cathedral and Neil Milbourn from Walby Farm Park.

Joy Yates, Editor of Newsquest Cumbria hosted the event. (Image: NQ staff)

Joy Yates, Newsquest Cumbria regional editor, said: "Thank you to everyone who supported the in-Cumbria magazine and Cumbria Tourism event. It certainly was a huge success and it was fabulous to see so many business leaders joining in the celebration of Cumbria Tourism's 50th anniversary. I look forward to our next event in Kendal."

The event was hosted at The Halston hotel in Carlisle (Image: NQ staff)

As part of the celebration networkers were also treated to samples from Cumbria Tourism members Hawkshead Brewery with Cumbrian Gold and Lakeland Artisan with its Damson Yan Gin.

Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, said: “It was fantastic to work with our Strategic Partners LocaliQ for the joint event in Carlisle.

Cath Coates, Carlisle Cathedral speaks to networkers (Image: NQ staff)

"Not only did we hear brilliant presentations from three superb Cumbria Tourism members – The Halston, Carlisle Cathedral and Walby Farm Park – but there was lots of useful networking and it was inspiring to meet with so many people who are so passionate about Carlisle and the wider Cumbria.

Gill Haigh, Managing Director at Cumbria Tourism speaks to networkers. (Image: NQ staff)

"As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations there was also the opportunity for people to sample two of our 50th anniversary products, Cumbrian Gold beer and Damson Yan Gin, and find out more about the Anniversary Charity Fund we’ve set up alongside Cumbria Community Foundation to help support the next generation of tourism talent right across our county.”

Neil Milbourn, owner of Walby Farm Park, said: "We had a lovely evening marking Cumbria Tourism’s 50th anniversary with so many people engaged in promoting and making Carlisle and Cumbria the fantastic destinations that they are!

Neil Milbourn, owner of Walby Farm Park gave a talk. (Image: NQ staff)

"We look forward to attending similar events in the future."

Yann Besombes, general manager at the Halston, Carlisle said: "I am really happy to have hosted the in-Cumbria networking event at The Halston .It was great to hear Gill Haigh from Cumbria Tourism and celebrate their 50th Anniversary.

"Talking to the people in the room, it was clear we have all some common challenges. Tourism and hospitality work on very small margins, and weather, staffing, food and goods increases are serious issues.

Yann Besombes, general manager at the Halston gives a talk. (Image: NQ staff)

"But throughout the few networking events I have attended recently, one thing is clear: the people of Carlisle and Cumbria are so positive, so genuine about their passion for their industry - I can see a future for our region, and with all the community behind it, a bright future."

The next in-Cumbria event will take place on June, 26 at the Bowness Bay Brewery in Kendal. To find out more about this event or book tickets you can click here.