Business owners and leaders from across Cumbria came together at the Pencil Factory in Keswick for Conference Cumbria 2026, a day of insight, inspiration, challenge and conversation focused on leadership, innovation, growth and the future of business.
Organised by Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and held on Thursday 1 October, the conference brought together an impressive line-up of speakers, with delegates encouraged to challenge their thinking, embrace change and take new ideas back into their organisations.
Headline speaker Sir Clive Woodward shared lessons from his career in elite sport and business, exploring the mindset, skills and technology needed to build high-performing teams through his talk entitled ‘The DNA of a champion’.
Central to his message was the importance of being a “sponge, not a rock” – remaining open-minded, positive and willing to learn rather than becoming resistant to change.
He also highlighted the increasing importance of technology in achieving a competitive advantage. Drawing on his experience of introducing technology and data into elite rugby, Sir Clive told delegates that organisations which embrace new tools and continually develop their people will be best placed to succeed, with artificial intelligence now presenting the next major opportunity.
The programme also featured contributions from creative Lou Kneath of +3K Animation Studios who talked about her flying animated pig Positively Pigasus and Sara Murray of Bendrigg Trust who shared the amazing work of Beyond Bendrigg, alongside a business panel featuring Claire Aindow, Steve Randles, Maria Whitehead, Tom Scaife and Richard Rankin.
Together, the speakers explored the realities of leadership, building strong teams, navigating uncertainty and creating businesses capable of adapting and growing in a rapidly changing environment.
Lesley Robinson, Head of Business Growth & Support at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Conference Cumbria is about giving businesses the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, hear different perspectives and come away with practical ideas that can make a real difference.
“One of the strongest messages from this year’s conference was the importance of being open to change. Whether that is developing your people, adopting new technology or simply challenging the way things have always been done, businesses that continue to learn and adapt will be in the strongest position for the future.
“It was fantastic to see so many businesses from across Cumbria coming together, sharing experiences and making new connections. We want people to leave Conference Cumbria not only feeling inspired, but ready to take action.”
The event also provided opportunities for delegates to build new connections with businesses from across the county and discuss the opportunities and challenges currently facing organisations of all sizes.
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce thanks all speakers, panellists, delegates and sponsors who helped make the event possible. Sponsors were Knights (headline sponsor), Cumberland Council and Park’s Motor Group with media partner Platinum Live.
Conference Cumbria forms part of the Chamber’s wider programme of events, training and business support designed to help Cumbrian businesses connect, develop and grow.
