The Power 40 is the Chamber’s networking group comprised of the county’s 40 most influential businesses. The group met for the first time in 2025 last week at Chamber Partner, Muncaster Castle, for an event on sustainability, the visitor economy and family business.
Attendees were welcomed in the morning with an incredible falconry display from Muncaster’s bird team—definitely one of the most unique ways the Chamber has started a networking event!
The group then sat down to enjoyed a delicious lunch in the castle’s beautiful state rooms before hearing from General Manager Ewan Frost-Pennington about the business looking at sustainability projects at the castle, challenges and opportunities and Ewan’s experience returning from his career in California to Cumbria to live and work—something many of us are keen to encourage more of.
Ewan also highlighted Muncaster Castle’s Head of Experiences, Hannah Clapp, who is the only finalist from the North West in Visit England’s Tourism Superstar 2025! Click here to vote for Hannah.
After lunch, the group was taken on a tour of the castle, finishing in the Weapons Hall, where guests took part in axe throwing and archery.
Ewan said:
“Muncaster Castle wants to embed itself as a useful resource within the Cumbrian business community. The event was a fantastic opportunity to get business leaders here, showcase our offer and explore ideas with invaluable stakeholders.”
Managing Director at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Suzanne Caldwell said:“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Ewan, Hannah and everyone at Muncaster Castle for such a fascinating day and for looking after our Power 40 group so well. Power 40 is about bringing leaders together to connect and learn about other businesses. At last week’s event, the group got a fascinating insight into Muncaster Castle’s various sustainability projects, how the business has diversified over the years and the challenges and opportunities of managing one of Cumbria’s most iconic historical landmarks.”
