With headquarters at Dovenby Hall near Cockermouth, M-Sport is a leading global motorsport business owned by Cockermouth-local, Malcolm Wilson OBE. As well as manufacturing rally cars, M-Sport operate a successful rally team which, under Malcolm’s leadership, has secured seven FIA World Rally Championships to date.
The Power 40 event was held after work at M-Sport’s state-of-the-art conference suite, with views of the test track and north-western fells of the Lake District beyond.
After welcome drinks, renowned business commentator and chairman and co-founder of Regionally, Justin Urquhart-Stewart, highlighted the importance of “confidence” to the economy and the need for long term investment for businesses to grow. “In the UK we’re good at starting businesses but once they get going they fall flat, why? To support businesses long term we need to direct investment to where it’s needed most.”
CEO at Regionally, Jim Odell, followed with an overview of Regionally’s solution for “growing businesses in place” by connecting global investors with established businesses outside of London and the South East.
After the talks, guests enjoyed a behind the scenes tour of M-Sport’s workshops where work is underway on fitting out new Ford Fiesta rally cars for private clients as well as a fleet of top-specification Ford Pumas for the World Rally Championship. The tour then moved on through the meeting rooms displaying shelves of trophies won by the team in rally events across the world.
The third element of the tour was the showroom where Malcolm Wilson gave the stories of the cars on display, which include a number of pieces from motorsport history as well as some historic cars from Malcolm’s own collection.
The group then returned to the conference centre for dinner. As ever, the atmosphere was cordial and relaxed as guests chatted over drinks and an excellent three course meal served by caterer, Karen Rhodes.
This Power 40 event was sponsored by RfM Accountants + more
Cumbria Chamber MD, Suzanne Caldwell said:
“Huge thanks to Malcolm and the team at M-Sport for making this fantastic opportunity available to the Power 40, to RfM for their sponsorship and Regionally for their thought-provoking contribution. This was another tremendous event for the Power 40, which fast become a truly vibrant and enjoyable group to be part of.”
Malcolm Wilson OBE from M-Sport said:
“It was fantastic to host Cumbria Chamber’s latest Power 40 at Dovenby Hall. It has always been important for me to keep our business in Cumbria, and I never doubted that a global motorsport company could be run effectively from our beautiful corner of the world. It has been a pleasure to showcase our operation to other businesses in the region, and to hear from industry experts on the need for and importance of continued growth.”
Businesses wanting to find out more about the Power 40 and all Chamber membership has to offer should contact Eve Halliday via eve@cumbriachamber.co.uk.
