RORY PROMOTES YOUNG ENTERPRISE WITH NTS ‘CUMBRIA UNWRAPPED’ PROJECT

Rory Stewart MP on Friday spent time with Wigton’s Nelson Thomlinson School’s Young Enterprise group of Year 12 students, who presented to him their ‘Cumbria Unwrapped’ product of edible products from the Cumbria. The enterprising students have identified a gap in the market for packaging Cumbrian-produced products in gift hampers presented on local pieces of slate, and are focusing on produce from areas that do not traditionally attract tourists to the Lake District region.

Rory said: “The Cumbria Unwrapped team have identified a real niche, and have developed and promoted their product in a very impressive, energetic way. They are right to focus on products from the parts of Cumbria that can sometimes be overlooked by visitors. This is all about creating a product that shows the diversity and ingenuity of Cumbrian food and gift producers, wherever they are based, and I wish Lauren and her team very well with their project.”

Lauren Spowart, Managing Director, said: “We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to meet Rory and discuss our project with him, creating an insightful and engaging conversation. For Rory to come to Wigton to visit was an exciting experience for us and has really inspired us to continue with our business endeavour. We hope that Rory enjoys his ‘Cumbrian Treats’ gift!”

Rory’s visit once again focused on the importance of giving young people a platform to engage in business, coinciding with news that the number of Penrith and The Border workplaces employing apprentices increased by almost 40% between 2010 and 2013. The figures suggest that Government reforms have helped make apprenticeships both simpler for businesses, and more attractive as an option for young people.

Rory Stewart MP pictured with (L-R): Alex Herbert (Head of Human Resources), Ross Ferguson (IT), Darius Kent (Finance Director), Bryony Whitehead (Assistant Director) and Lauren Spowart (Managing Director)