AS we come to the end of 2023, the team at in-Cumbria have taken a look back at the many networking events that have taken place throughout the county in the last year.

From Kendal to Carlisle, the team at in-Cumbria have hosted a number of events over the last 12 months, with great networking, fantastic food and drink and great speakers always being the order of service.

Throughout the year, the events have heard from high profile speakers such as Cumberland council leader Mark Fryer and managing director of Gretna Green Ltd. John Holliday, as well as an array of 'soap boxers' from across businesses in the county.

The Mail: Cumberland council leader Mark Fryer spoke at one of the eventsCumberland council leader Mark Fryer spoke at one of the events (Image: NQ staff)

The year also marked the 100th edition of the prestigious in-Cumbria magazine, which was celebrated with two birthday parties in Kendal and Carlisle throughout the month of May.

The Mail: The first in-Cumbria networking event held in KendalThe first in-Cumbria networking event held in Kendal (Image: NQ staff)

Joy Yates, Newsquest Cumbria regional editor, said: "Our eclectic networking programme of events in 2023 included collaborations with Cumbria Tourism and Q&As with high-profile Cumbrian business people as well as soapbox sessions with our fantastic networkers.

The Mail: The 100th birthday edition of the in Cumbria magazine held at Carlisle in May.The 100th birthday edition of the in Cumbria magazine held at Carlisle in May. (Image: NQ staff)

"We held events in Kendal and Carlisle and appreciate all the support from our partners such as our hosts The Halston in Carlisle and The Tipsy Filly, with Helen conjuring up the most wonderful gin cocktails.

"It's been an absolute delight spending time with our business leaders and thank everyone who supported us and joined in our events, ending with a 'meet-the-team' party in our Carlisle office.

"I look forward to our events programme in 2024."

The Mail: Love at First bite by Amber owner Amber Shankland at one of the events.Love at First bite by Amber owner Amber Shankland at one of the events. (Image: NQ staff)

Regular attendees have said the events have been 'some of the best' with long lasting connections made.

Managing director at Coniston Stonecraft Limited, Brendan Donnelly, said: "In-Cumbria networking events have been great for me this year, I’ve met some really interesting people, learnt about all sorts, both business and leisure, and had some great laughs with folk who started as strangers and ended the year as good friends."

The Mail: Martin Norris, Joy Yates, Nick Turner and Josh Holmes at a networking event.Martin Norris, Joy Yates, Nick Turner and Josh Holmes at a networking event. (Image: NQ staff)

Head of recruitment at Realise HR, Martin Norris, said: “The in-Cumbria networking events have been some of the best in the calendar.

"From informal drinks and nibbles to innovative, insight led table talks, it’s been great to have such a varied line up of events in 2023.

"If you’re short on time, my advice, book onto the in-Cumbria events and get all your networking in one place.”

The team are looking forward to another packed year of events in 2024, which will kick off with Table Talk presents - Credibility: the Ultimate Competitive Advantage in Social Media on January 12 at the North Lakes Hotel, Penrith.

To sign up you can click here.