Everest Base Camp Adventurer Returns to Lead Carlisle City Centre Revival
A Cumbrian woman with an impressive record of outdoor challenges and business development experience has returned home to help revitalise Carlisle city centre.
Rebecca Ricketts, who grew up in Armathwaite and attended St Monica’s School in Carlisle, has been appointed project manager for the Great Border City Business Improvement District (BID). Alongside conquering Everest Base Camp and completing all the Wainwrights, she has also run the London Marathon. Her appointment brings her back to Cumbria after 13 years working in Scotland.
During her time with Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Ricketts worked with businesses, public sector organisations and community groups to deliver projects aimed at strengthening the local economy. Her work included the Plate Up For Glasgow campaign, which reached 55 million people, and the Taste the Place food and drink initiative, developed for Glasgow's 850th anniversary.
She also led the Grounds for Recycling project ahead of the UCI Cycling World Championships. The initiative was nominated for the 2024 Earthshot Prize. More recently, she helped businesses prepare for the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Glasgow stepped in to host the event following Australia's withdrawal, working within a tight timeframe and reduced budget.
One of her first priorities in Carlisle will be launching the city's first Restaurant Week in early 2027. The initiative is intended to encourage people to explore local restaurants and hospitality venues through special menus and offers, particularly during a traditionally quieter trading period. The concept has roots in New York and is modelled on a successful project that has operated in Newcastle for 15 years.
Ricketts will also work with local businesses ahead of the Tour de France's visit to Carlisle next summer. She believes the international sporting event offers an opportunity to attract visitors, increase activity in the city and create longer-term benefits for the local economy. Her focus will include helping businesses prepare and making sure the event leaves a lasting legacy.
Speaking about her appointment, Ricketts said she was delighted to join the Great Border City BID at an exciting time for Carlisle. She highlighted the opportunity to build on the city's existing strengths, support independent businesses and hospitality venues, and bring more people into the city centre. She also said her experience in Glasgow would help her contribute to a city she knows and loves.
The Great Border City BID operates for a fixed five-year term and is funded through a business rates levy. It was established after a majority of Carlisle businesses supported the proposal in a postal ballot. A board of directors drawn from local businesses and organisations will oversee its work, which aims to improve prosperity and encourage economic growth across the city.
Ricketts said her approach would involve listening to businesses, understanding their priorities and developing initiatives suited to Carlisle. She also highlighted the importance of working alongside existing organisations and projects rather than duplicating their efforts. Her plans include building stronger connections between the city centre, retail parks, hospitality businesses and rural suppliers.
She added that Carlisle had a strong mix of independent businesses, established brands and hospitality venues, alongside valuable links with surrounding rural communities. With Restaurant Week and the Tour de France approaching, the new project manager will be looking to bring those strengths together and turn major events into practical opportunities for local businesses.
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