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

ROM investment in the region’s economy to offering support for the community, its schools, charities and events, Tata Steel Projects has set out its stall as a key employer in West Cumbria, now and in the future.

• BEC scheme could safeguard 1,000 jobs
• Grant will help firm go green and cut costs
• And there’s more . . . .

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.

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

MILLIONS of man hours have gone into Britain’s most advanced nuclear submarine to date.

• Rising to the energy challenge
• Rising to the energy challenge
• Driving business forward

SOME 250 guests turned out to the CN Group Business Awards 2012.

• Honours for shining examples in education
• Cluster awards celebrate innovation and excellence

A MAJOR conference organised by a booming port has been hailed a success.

• Construction Skills Centre on track to open in April
• Office plan moves on
• Funds secure RL World Cup
• Cyclists battle rain for charity
• BEC boost could bring in cruise ships

THERE are now six bidders in the running for a £2.5 million contract to ensure Cumbrian businesses reap the rewards of superfast broadband and use it to generate new jobs.

• Repository decision on hold

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

A FLEDGLING Furness firm is dealing with energy giants despite being in its infancy.

• Olympic level investment
• NDA welcomes report into ‘unique and complex priority’

ALL the focus will be on Sellafield for the next 12 months at least, says the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s chief executive John Clarke.

EDUCATION in West Cumbria can now take pupils from primary schools to PhDs as well as helping to bolster the West Cumbrian economy.

• Centre of community
• Group champions consultation
• Opportunities for business growth

CELEBRITY chefs and delicious Cumbrian food attracted around 25,000 people to this year’s Taste Cumbria festival in Cockermouth.

• Call to support festival