Farron attends launch of rural growth hub

South Lakes MP Tim Farron today took part in a debate hosted by the University of Cumbria in Ambleside.

The panel tackled such as issues as how to support sustainable economic growth in Cumbria and the Lake District National Park, how to preserve the local natural landscape and the Lake District's natural heritage, in an event which launched the new rural growth hub based at the University.

The Rural Growth Hub is part of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership's Rural Growth Network pilot. The hub is one of six employment sites across the county offering space and support to local businesses and entrepreneurs. The Rural Growth Network is one of a number of DEFRA pilots across the country; which aim to stimulate sustainable business growth.

Tim was delighted to speak up for the natural environment and the local economy. He was joined on the panel by Lord Digby Jones, who is a former Government minister for business and trade, as well as the Chief Executives of Lake District National Park and the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, and the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Cumbria.

Tim said: "I am always keen to give my perspective on how businesses operating in a rural setting can grow and function sustainably. I was delighted to let the audience know what steps the Government is taking to ensure small rural businesses are given the support they need to grow in a sustainable way."

"There's still much to be done to ensure that economic growth in rural areas is seen as equally important by decision makers to growth in our cities, and it was great to share ideas about how we can make that a reality."