IT would be strange if I didn’t start without referring to the debate around a Geological Disposal Facility for nuclear waste here in West Cumbria.

• Energising the West Cumbria Economic Blueprint
• As one era ends, another starts
• Momentum behind our once-in-lifetime opportunity
• Looking ahead to a big year for BEC

A SYNTHETIC sports pitch manufacturer responsible for a piece of sporting history is to kick off a new era of growth after becoming the first company to secure a grant through Britain’s Energy Coast’s Investing in Business programme.

BRITAIN’S Energy Coast Chairman Rt Hon Brian Wilson has paid tribute to former acting chief executive Tom Gilroy for his dedication, determination and passion during the two-and-a-half years he was at the organisation.

WHEN a seasoned communicator like Rory O’Neill gives up a successful career in London to come to West Cumbria you know it’s a big-hitting job.

LIFELONG passion for sport has led one football coach to help pass on his passion to a new generation.

• Cumbria man is focused on new direction
• Broughton Moor woman’s tasty idea
• Cumbria businesswomen are specialists in their field
• Filling a need for Cockermouth shoppers wanting a country look

CONSTRUCTION work on a £16m windfarm in Cumbria has begun.

WALLROVER Limited, the innovative engineering company based in Maryport, has received national recognition by winning the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Innovation Award for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises at the NDA’s first Supply Chain Awards.

• Energy Opportunity Supply Chain event allows Cumbria trade contractors to meet

MORE than 40 businesses from Allerdale celebrated networking and connection building at an event with tips and advice for success in the New Year.

• Cumbria public to see North West Coast Power Ring plans

ONGOING exploratory work could be the key to securing the future of 400 jobs.

A NEW range of power quality monitoring equipment is now available from Bender UK to protect vital power distribution systems against sudden and unforeseen failure.

A BRITAIN’S Energy Coast-backed mission to South Korea and Japan has “opened up realopportunities” for companies in West Cumbria’s world-class nuclear industry, according to Britain’s Energy Coast Chairman Brian Wilson.

• UK and Korea pledge nuclear cooperation
• Cumbria firm scoops Japan contract
• Sharing expertise

MULTI-MILLION investment has helped revitalise a west Cumbrian port.

• New Workington programme gives innovation a helping hand
• Green energy boost for Cumbria firms

APPRENTICES from Lakes College were given a rare opportunity this month to work on the new Construction Skills Centre at Lillyhall.

UP to 500 new jobs are on the way at Sellafield.

• Cumbria repository search is called off
• Cumbrian company part of £400m nuclear deal
• Dedicated police for Sellafield site

DESPITE presiding over a local authority faced with making £2.6m spending cuts, Copeland Council leader Elaine Woodburn remains hopeful the borough can look to a much brighter future.

CUMBRIAN rally experts M-Sport have been named as the technical partners for one of Britain’s most prestigious motoring names.

• Cumbria rally driver aiming high in 2013 after triple success
• Workington rugby venue takes shape
• Crowds enjoy a Taste of Cumbria
• Call to support festival