A residents’ discount scheme set up by Cumbria Tourism to support local communities has scooped a top accolade at the UK Enterprise Awards.

The news that MyCumbria has has been awarded ‘Most Innovative Regional Business Discount Card Enterprise’ comes as the scheme celebrates its tenth anniversary this month.

Hosted by SME News, the UK Enterprise Awards celebrate vibrant business industries across the UK. Now in their sixth year, the 2022 awards highlight small to medium-sized enterprises which have adapted and innovated to weather the storm of COVID-19.

It’s a double celebration for the MyCumbria card scheme, which was set up exactly ten years ago this month by the county’s official Destination Management Organisation - purely for people living or working in Cumbria.

MyCumbria recognises the vital role that locals play in supporting the county’s visitor economy and gives them the chance to explore the county at discounted rates, with more than 200 unique residents’ offers for a wide range of attractions, retailers, cafes, pubs and quintessentially Cumbrian products throughout the county.

To mark the occasion, MyCumbria is hosting a series of anniversary daily giveaways for local people throughout May, with card holders entered automatically into a daily each day until the end of the month.

Among the 31 special prizes on offer are family attraction tickets, annual experience passes and £100 to spend at selected local producers, as well as an array of afternoon teas, Sunday lunches and money to spend at restaurants and hospitality venues.

Ben Melling oversees the MyCumbria scheme at Cumbria Tourism. He says “Wow, what fantastic timing to be recognised by the UK Enterprise Awards, at the start of MyCumbria’s birthday month.

“We know that MyCumbria is great for people who live and work here, helping them to explore more of the county at a time when household budgets are tight.

“Residents are also keen to support their local communities and do their bit for the recovery of Cumbria’s economy, so it’s a great way for businesses who want to tap into the local market to attract a new customer base.

"We are always on the lookout for more exclusive offers to include on the MyCumbria scheme and it’s completely free for businesses get involved.”

MyCumbria card holders need to have a valid CA or LA Cumbria postcode at either a home or work address.

For the annual price of £20, they then get access to a range of exclusive discounts for retailers, attractions, hospitality venues throughout the county.

To find out more about the MyCumbria card and the tenth anniversary raffle, visit: www.mycumbriacard.co.uk/mycumbria-10th-anniversary.