A SUCCESSFUL businesswoman has spoken of her love of the county and her multifaceted career.

Kate Willard, who is based near Kendal, was recognised earlier this year in the Queen’s birthday honours list, receiving an OBE for her contribution to transport and the economy.

Originally from Hertfordshire, Ms Willard moved to Cumbria in the late 90s and has championed the county ever since.

"I was living in France and moved here and what a great move that was," she said.

"What an amazing place to live, October and November are my favourite months in Cumbria because of the colours and light.

"I think it is the most beautiful place and full of the most fabulous people to work with."

On moving to Cumbria Ms Willard became CEO of the UK’s first rural regeneration company, Rural Regeneration Cumbria, and during that period was headhunted by Stobart Group where she has worked for more than 12 years.

During her time with Stobart Group, she was responsible for re-launching commercial services from Carlisle Lake District Airport for the first time in over 25 years.

"I was lucky enough to be chief executive of Rural Regeneration Cumbria in the early 2000s which was set up to support growth post foot and mouth in the county," said Ms Willard.

"And that team, who was based near Penrith, did an amazing job. I think Cumbria has a wealth of exceptional people.

"Cumbria is full of brilliant people and businesses doing some really innovatory stuff.

"It has brilliance and beauty and I think quite often we just focus on the beauty and forget the brilliance."

And, as Thames Estuary Envoy and chair of the Thames Estuary Growth Board , Ms Willard is the driving force behind ambitious plans that could add more than £100 billion to the UK economy by 2050.

"It's fascinating," she said.

"What a part of the UK to be looking at, the Thames Estuary, to see how we can drive growth across the river.

"It's an extraordinary thing to be working on."

Ms Willard originally pursued the arts and studied theatre at Rose Bruford College in Bexley.

Fuelled by this passion Ms Willard has championed the arts throughout her colourful career and is Chair of Arts Council North and also sits on the Arts Council’s National Council.

"That's been a really lovely thing enabling me to take my business expertise and put it back into where I started," she said.

"I think doing drama or any other creative subjects acts as a really good grounding for all young people.

"It teaches you how to listen and to communicate effectively.

"Cumbria has an amazing cultural landscape and I will continue, through my role on the arts council, to support those."

Asked what her career highlight has been Ms Willard said: "I think my highlight is that I have two beautiful children.

"They are my world in every single way."

She also gave advice for those wishing to go into business.

"I think the best lesson is just to have confidence in yourself, and I know that's difficult.

"And I'll be honest there have been plenty of times in my career when I've had really nasty knock-backs.

"But the ability to get back up is really important."