Education Leader Named First Panellist for Conference Cumbria 2026
A respected Cumbrian education leader has been announced as the first panellist for Conference Cumbria 2026, a major business gathering set to take place later this year.
Steve Randles, Head of Delivery at Brathay Trust, will join the expert panel at the conference, which is scheduled for October 1 at the Pencil Factory in Keswick. The event is expected to attract hundreds of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers from across Cumbria.
Organised by the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, this year’s conference will be held under the theme “Be Bold. Be Courageous.” The programme aims to encourage innovative thinking, leadership development, and stronger business connections throughout the region.
Randles has spent more than two decades working in the education sector, serving in a variety of roles including teacher, practitioner, head of centre, and senior leader. Throughout his career, he has focused on creating environments that encourage collaboration, innovation, and confident decision-making.
At the conference, he is expected to share insights on leadership, resilience, and building workplace cultures where people feel empowered to contribute ideas and embrace positive change.
Lesley Robinson, Head of Business Growth and Support at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the appointment, describing Randles as a valuable addition to the event’s expert panel. She highlighted his commitment to empowering others and his belief in supporting people through challenges as qualities that reflect the conference theme.
Randles said he was pleased to be involved in the event and looked forward to discussing the importance of courageous leadership. He emphasized that meaningful progress often comes from stepping outside comfort zones, embracing different viewpoints, and creating opportunities for growth.
The conference will also feature renowned leadership speaker Sir Clive Woodward, alongside a range of business-focused discussions, networking opportunities, and presentations designed to support growth and innovation across Cumbria’s business community.
Additional speakers are expected to be announced in the coming months as preparations for the event continue.
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