www.eden.gov.uk

Economic Plan Launch Creates Priorities for the Year Ahead

The launch of a 10 year Economic and Tourism Strategy titled 'Developing the Economy of Eden 2006-2016' by the Eden Economic Forum created clear priorities to develop Eden's economy during the next 12-months.

This is a very exciting time for Eden District Council, which also recently launched an interactive search facility to enable companies and individuals to find available commercial sites at the click of a mouse on www.eden.gov.uk.

Strong, innovative and competitive businesses are essential for a thriving Eden economy, which raises standards of living and brings better health and well-being to our communities. Our work on building the economy and creating more and better jobs and skills reflects our commitment to creating a sustainable future for Eden.

Our approach for realising this vision is built around our core strengths:

• strong communities;
• an increasingly skilled, innovative and entrepreneurial workforce;
• a stunning natural environment;
• and an exceptional quality of life - Eden inhabitants tend to be the healthiest in the Country.

The continued development of a prestigious forty acre Business Park is just one of a number of strategic projects that are being undertaken by Eden District Council, together with a range of private and public sector partners, aimed at reinforcing Penrith as a premier business location. Eden Business Park lies within 1km of the M6 and the A66 and the West Coast Main Line rail network. The completed site should create 25,000 sq. m. of new industrial and commercial floor space, and up to 216 new jobs with the potential to attract up to £13.4m of private sector investment.

Penrith New Squares Development is a major application for a mixed use residential and retail development off Southend Road. The scheme includes a retail superstore, retail development, housing, restaurants, cafes, building societies, office access roads, cars parks, engineering operations and use of squares for events / markets, to compliment the north end of Penrith, famous for its range of independent retailers frequented by royalty.

One of our innovative companies has been awarded the prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise. Bells of Lazonby received the award for its allergy-friendly bakery products. Bells is now recognised as one of the leading food producers within the special diets sector, and in keeping with other larger rural based employers, it is active in community affairs.

Eden District encompasses part of the English Lake District and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and nestles close to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Situated within a two-hour drive of several international airports, it is easily found, between Junctions 38 and 41 of the M6 Motorway.

Although a tranquil corner of Cumbria, Eden is at the forefront in technology - all telephone exchanges in Eden are ready for broadband. An extensive wireless broadband network has also been installed to give coverage to areas where the standard telephone networks may not reach.

Eden District Council is the first Council to have received the prestigious ‘Coach Friendly Local Authority Award’. It recognises the contribution a destination provides to make coach-borne tourists feel welcome.

The highly successful Cumbria Food and Drink Festival in 2006 included a week of gastronomic events throughout Eden. Fifteen different venues offered a range of food and drink delights, and Eden District Council was one of the sponsors of the two-day event at Rheged, which hosted a wide range of food producers. This event will again take place on 6th & 7th May.

The clean air and dramatic landscapes will refresh, inspire and rejuvenate anyone who visits, so it is a perfect setting in which to relocate your business.

HOW EDEN DISTRICT COUNCIL SUPPORTS BUSINESSES

We are very aware of the central role of local businesses in our economy, and provide relevant support through the Economic Development and Tourism Unit to raise awareness of Eden for inward investment and as a visitor destination.

• General Advice and Support
• Information
• Grants to Businesses
• Promotion and Marketing

Click here to obtain a copy of INWARD INVESTMENT