Cumbria’s members of Parliament will put politics aside next week to showcase the very best of the county’s local businesses.
On Wednesday 23rd January, the area’s MPs will bring together a range of food and drink businesses and organisations from their constituencies for the fourth annual Cumbria Day.
The event, held in the Jubilee Room in the Houses of Parliament will see MPs, peers, and member’s staff invited to sample a selection of the finest produce from across Cumbria whilst meeting a number of the area’s local enterprises and organisations.
Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland will be welcoming Keswick based café, Kat’s Kitchen.
Mrs Harrison, said: “Cumbria Day is a celebration of our fabulous food and drink industry and local businesses and appreciates their incredibly hard work and commitment.
“I am really excited to welcome Kat’s Kitchen to this year’s Cumbria Day who will be flying the flag for Copeland and Keswick with her range of vegan based cakes and bakes.”
“Cumbria’s food and drink sector is internationally recognised, employing more than 8,500 people and contributing £441 million to our local economy every year; more than in the United Kingdom as a whole. It is vitally important that we all support our local and independently run businesses throughout the year.”
Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: “Cumbria day is our chance to put our local communities in the spotlight at Parliament.
“In Hawkshead Relish and Kirkby Lonsdale brewery we have two fantastic South Lakes businesses who help us to showcase our world class produce made in the heart of our stunning landscape.
“I look forward to plying our senior politicians with beer and chutney in aid of promoting our local economy.”
12 businesses, from across Cumbria including Kirby Lonsdale Brewery, and Carlisle based family business, Pioneer Foods have been invited to attend.
Carlisle MP, John Stevenson, said: "It's great to see another Cumbria Day take place in Parliament. Our county has so much to offer, and I will be pleased to welcome colleagues from across Parliament to engage with some fantastic Cumbrian businesses.
“It's especially pleasing to see Carlisle-based Pioneer food come to Parliament to show off some of Cumbria's finest produce."
MP for Workington, Sue Hayman who will be welcoming Allerdale Borough Council and the Tractor Shed Brewing as her chosen businesses, said: “I’m looking forward to hosting a range of Cumbrian businesses in Parliament, and hope to welcome many parliamentary colleagues to come along to see why Cumbria is such a great place to visit, live and work.
“Last year’s event was hugely successful, and I’m delighted that we have the opportunity again to share with colleagues our fantastic county and its produce.”
Barrow MP, John Woodcock, said: “It’s great that Cumbria day this year has been widened to include all local business, showing the breadth of what Cumbria has to offer. We have three incredible craft businesses vying for the final spot in a Facebook poll, the results of which will be announced this Friday.
“Also, this coming Friday I will help to judge Barrow’s pie competition, with the winner coming down to London to finally bring a proper North West staple to parliament!”
Rory Stewart, MP for Penrith and the Borders, said: “Cumbria Day continues to be a great success and is an important opportunity for local businesses to network on a national stage.
“I’m delighted to welcome Appleby Creamery, Cumbrian Adventures and Original Marquees down to Westminster this year.
“Farming is the bedrock of Cumbria’s identity and tourism is vital to its economy, so I’m thrilled to invite two businesses that are excellent examples of what our county has to offer.”
Sellafield Ltd is sponsoring this year’s Cumbria Day.
