Cumbria Launches Youth Group to Shape Economic Future

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Cumbria has launched a new initiative aimed at involving young people in planning the region’s long-term economic future. The group, called Cumbria’s Future Generation (CFG), targets individuals aged 16 to 35 and forms a key part of Enterprising Cumbria’s 20-year Economic Strategy. It seeks to ensure that younger voices have a direct role in making important economic decisions that will affect the county in the years to come.

David Beeby, chair of the Enterprising Cumbria Growth Board, emphasised the importance of involving those who will live with the economic consequences. “Building a strong and resilient economy for Cumbria depends on engaging the people who will inherit it,” he said in a recent statement. “Cumbria’s Future Generation is designed not simply as consultation but as genuine collaboration. Young people will be empowered to lead, influence, and take action on behalf of their peers, helping shape Cumbria’s future for decades.”

CFG represents a partnership between Enterprising Cumbria and the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP), and it builds on existing youth leadership efforts in the county. These include the Cumbria Future Leaders Steering Group, the Brilliant Barrow Shadow Board, the BECBC Shadow Board, Futures Forum, and Cumbria Future Leaders.

The group also plans to work closely with several partner organisations, such as Cumbria Youth Alliance, Inspira, Furness Education and Skills Partnership, Cumbria’s Youth Zones, and further education colleges. This broad network aims to reach as many young people as possible, encouraging participation from diverse backgrounds and interests.

One significant feature of CFG is the introduction of strategic representative roles. Young members nominated by the CFG Steering Group will be given seats on the Economic Growth Board and Enterprising Cumbria Strategy Groups, giving them a direct voice in high-level discussions on economic policy and development. Those chosen are expected to show a strong commitment to Cumbria’s economic well-being and, where relevant, receive support from their employers to fulfil these responsibilities.

Sarah Glass, executive director of the Centre for Leadership Performance, outlined the support framework for CFG. “Our continued focus is on empowering young people across Cumbria. This initiative provides the Steering Group with funding to run their events and access to a dedicated website portal where young people can create accounts, receive tailored weekly content, and find opportunities relevant to their interests and careers.”

Looking ahead, CFG has identified three main priorities. The first is to broaden its geographical reach, particularly in underrepresented areas such as Eden and Central Lakes. The second priority is to expand sector representation, welcoming input from industries including hospitality, arts and culture, and agriculture, sectors crucial to Cumbria’s diverse economy. The third priority focuses on enhancing diversity within the group by encouraging participation from people who have been in care, individuals from ethnic minorities, neurodiverse young people, and others from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Management and ongoing funding for CFG will be handled by the Centre for Leadership Performance. The organisation will work alongside Enterprising Cumbria and the Careers Hub to regularly review the group’s membership and activities, ensuring that representation across the county remains inclusive and effective.

Cumbria’s Future Generation offers young people a real opportunity to influence economic policy and decision-making at a critical time for the region. With the UK economy facing challenges including inflation pressures and the need for sustainable growth, initiatives like CFG provide a platform for the next generation to contribute their perspectives and ideas.