Cumbria Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce Maria Whitehead MBE, co-founder of Hawkshead Relish, as the latest confirmed panellist for Conference Cumbria 2026, bringing decades of entrepreneurial experience and international business success to this year’s event.
Taking place on Thursday 1 October 2026 at the Pencil Factory in Keswick, Conference Cumbria will showcase an inspiring line-up of speakers, thought leaders and industry experts, giving delegates the opportunity to gain fresh insights, challenge conventional thinking and make valuable connections that can drive future success.
Maria co-founded Hawkshead Relish with her husband, Mark, in 1999, growing the business from a small café sideline into one of Cumbria’s best-known food brands. Today, the family-run company produces more than 120 award-winning relishes, pickles and preserves by hand from a 16th-century barn on the shores of Esthwaite Water, supplying independent retailers across the UK and exporting to markets around the world.
The announcement is another exciting addition to Conference Cumbria 2026, which this year carries the theme “Be Bold. Be Courageous.”
Maria’s remarkable business journey reflects the very essence of the conference theme. Through determination, innovation and a willingness to seize new opportunities, she has helped transform a local venture into an internationally recognised brand while championing the wider food and drink sector.
Appointed an MBE in 2011 for services to the food industry in Cumbria, Maria has also played an influential role in supporting UK exports, advising on the UK Food and Drink Export Programme and continuing to serve as an Ambassador for North West Exports with the Department for Business and Trade. In 2025, she was recognised with the prestigious Golden Fork Award for Contribution to Food & Drink by the Guild of Fine Food.
Lesley Robinson, Head of Business Growth & Support at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Maria Whitehead MBE to the Conference Cumbria 2026 expert panel. Maria’s entrepreneurial journey is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through vision, resilience and the courage to think beyond traditional boundaries.
“Her experience of building a globally recognised Cumbrian brand, together with her passion for championing British food and exports, will provide invaluable insights for delegates looking to grow their own businesses and embrace new opportunities.”
Maria Whitehead MBE, Co-founder of Hawkshead Relish, said:
“I am delighted to be invited to join the Cumbria Conference panel this year, the theme of Be Bold, Be Courageous really embodies the essence of how business needs to be resilient in difficult times, especially when so many aspects of the economy are out of your control.”
Conference Cumbria has grown significantly over recent years and now attracts delegates from across Cumbria and beyond, with ambitions to welcome up to 350 attendees in 2026.
This year’s event will feature headline speaker Sir Clive Woodward alongside a growing programme of inspiring speakers, panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to support business growth, leadership and innovation.
Recent speaker announcements have also included Lou Kneath, Sara Murray and Steve Randles, further strengthening what promises to be one of the county’s most inspiring business events.
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities and tickets remain available for businesses looking to align themselves with one of the region’s most prominent business events.
Businesses interested in attending or getting involved can find out more and book online via the Conference Cumbria 2026 Booking Page.
