New Networking Season To Begin With Barrow Leadership Panel
A new networking season is set to begin in Barrow with an event bringing together local leaders to discuss the future of towns and the importance of continued investment in communities.
The Gather will host a panel discussion titled Towns Worth Backing at The Art Gene Gallery, with the event scheduled to take place from 5.15pm to 8.15pm.
The event has been organised by Carlisle based networking organisation Intro and is sponsored by The Cumberland. It is designed to bring together people from across the region to share ideas and discuss how towns can continue to develop.
The panel will feature Stuart Miller, chief executive of The Cumberland, alongside Tom Andrew, acting director of policy at Cumbria Combined Authority.
Artist Maddi Nicholson will also take part in the discussion, while Team Barrow board member Jackie Arnold will bring her experience of working within the area and its wider business community.
Arnold spent 19 years working for BAE Systems and has also made history at The Cumberland after becoming the first female chair of the building society during its 176 year history.
Miller took over as chief executive of The Cumberland in March. He joined the organisation from Newcastle Building Society, succeeding Des Moore in the role.
The discussion will focus on the theme of towns worth backing and the role that businesses, organisations and community leaders can play in supporting the long term future of local places.
The event will also provide an opportunity for attendees to network with other professionals and community figures. Guests will be able to meet people from different sectors while discussing the issues affecting towns across the region.
Visitors will be offered welcome drinks and food prepared using produce from the Isle of Walney Community Growing Space. The event will also provide an opportunity to view artwork by Maddi Nicholson at the gallery.
The choice of Barrow as the location reflects the town's continuing programme of investment and regeneration, as well as its importance to the wider regional economy.
Miller said the theme was particularly relevant to The Cumberland, highlighting the organisation's decision to maintain a presence on the high street and continue investing at a time when some businesses are reducing their physical presence.
He described Barrow as an example of a town worth supporting and said he was looking forward to discussing the subject alongside the other members of the panel.
The networking event will give attendees the opportunity to hear directly from senior figures involved in business, public policy, community development and the arts.
Tickets for the event are priced at £24, with the evening combining the panel discussion with networking, refreshments and an opportunity to experience the gallery's exhibition space.
With Barrow continuing to attract attention for its economic and community development, the event is expected to provide a platform for discussion about how investment and local leadership can help towns build their future.
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