Organisations in West Cumbria are well-placed to work together to maximise a wealth of opportunities, says an industry leader.

Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH) Managing Director John Maddison, who is stepping down from his post, believes businesses, academia, and community sectors can collaborate effectively to create more opportunities.

Since the inception of iSH in March last year, Mr Maddison has built a team to help create jobs and diversification opportunities across a variety of sectors.

Mr Maddison said: "This job has always been about the place, it’s about what’s happening in the amazing businesses, industries and communities in West Cumbria, and bringing them together in the spirit of collaboration with schools, colleges and universities to create even more opportunities for the region to enhance the area’s capability.

“We are also focused on selling West Cumbria capability across the rest of the UK and the world, bringing a range of economic and social benefits to communities in West Cumbria through projects which will have a positive impact on people, the economy, and the environment.

“We have been able to identify diversification opportunities across nuclear, defence, cyber and space industries, and by collaborating with schools and colleges we are creating clear pathways into careers for young people who might otherwise have been overlooked.

“We have recruited a highly capable and talented team at iSH who are ideally placed to maximise these opportunities. I will miss them when my time at iSH comes to an end next month.

“I am delighted, however, that whoever takes on the job does so with iSH ideally placed to support the region, with the backing of its stakeholders including Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Cumberland Council.”

The development of an iSH Enterprise Campus (iEC) at Leconfield, Cleator Moor, aims to anchor the business cluster in West Cumbria.

The project has been made possible with significant financial support from the Government’s Towns Fund and Levelling Up Fund, alongside contributions from Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and Cumberland Council.

As Mr Maddison prepares to vacate his role, the search for his successor has begun.

The new role-holder is expected to commence early in 2024, and candidates are required to submit their CV and a personal statement to Cumberland Council before 12noon on Friday, December 1.

Candidates must be within easy reach of West Cumbria, as this is a permanent full-time post.

Documents should be emailed to Tracey.Crilley@cumberland.gov.uk.

More details about the role can be found at https://ishco.co.uk/join-us/