Two high-profile businessmen have joined the board of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Nigel Wilkinson, the managing director of Windermere Lake Cruises and John Coughlan, the managing director of Workington based TSP Engineering, have both been appointed to the body, which is responsible for leading economic growth in the county.

George Beveridge, Cumbria LEP's chairman, said: “Following an open recruitment process and consultation with our private sector advisory panel, we are pleased to welcome John and Nigel to the LEP board.

“Nigel has been involved in the county’s Visitor Economy sub group and development of the associated sector growth plan, until recently he was a director of Cumbria Tourism, and he chairs the Lake District National Park Partnership's Business Task Force.

“John has a long background in manufacturing and has worked successfully to secure the future of the former Corus facility in Workington as well as supporting Cumbria LEP with advanced manufacturing development.

“They both bring valuable expertise and experience to the role and will be strong additions to the board team.”

Nigel Wilkinson is a graduate engineer and chartered accountant. He has been managing director of Windermere Lake Cruises Limited since 2004.

He is also managing director of Winander Leisure Limited, a director of Winander Group Holdings Limited, Lakeland Motor Museum Limited, Rushbond plc and is chair of the Lake District National Park Partnership’s Business Task Force.

Mr Wilkinson has also served as a director of Cumbria Tourism for almost 10 years.

He said: “I am wholeheartedly looking forward to working on Cumbria LEP’s board at a time of tremendous challenge and opportunity for both the rural and visitor economy and the county’s other key sectors. It’s vital that Cumbria speaks with one voice and can make a unified case to central government.”

John Coughlan joined TSP Engineering in 2014 and his career has taken him across Europe, Asia, North America and Mexico in senior non-executive and executive roles in organisations such as Aerly Bird Trans Global, UpRight, Celestica, ITW Avery Weightronics and Dianorm Teo. He has also worked on a range of senior committees, enterprise boards and liaison groups.

“My focus on the board will be to deliver a voice for the private sector with a focus on supporting wealth creation for the region through the development of advanced manufacturing and skills necessary to support the advancement and creation of the talent pool,” he said.

“The aim is to reinforce the opportunities that are present and forecasted for the region and I hope I will be able to positively affect the local dynamics of social and economic exclusion which can be eliminated through the development of the skills base across all sectors of the region’s economy.”

Mr Wilkinson and Mr Coughlan succeed former private sector board members Duncan Peake and Ian Robinson, both of whom have moved out of the area to take up new posts.

Giles Archibald, leader of South Lakeland District Council, Colin Glover, leader of Carlisle City Council, and Alan Smith, leader of Allerdale Borough Council also joined the board earlier in the year.

Mr Beveridge added: “Our thanks are due to Duncan and Ian for their hard work and commitment to the board during their respective tenures. We wish them well in their new roles.

“Our new public sector board members Giles, Colin and Alan are already making valued contributions to the LEP’s work as we continue to address Cumbria’s economic priorities.”