‘Cumbria is open for business’

A MARKETING campaign has been launched to push the message that Cumbria is open for business following the floods.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has placed adverts with national newspapers to promote the region and given Cumbria Tourism £100,000 to bolster its marketing budget.

Much of the county was not directly affected by the flooding and towns and villages that were, such as Workington and Keswick, are now trading as usual.

Peter Mearns, executive director of marketing and communications at the NWDA, said: “Cumbria’s economy relies heavily on tourism so we must act quickly to let visitors know that for a lot of the county it is business as usual.

“Businesses not directly affected by flooding are suffering as people cancel bookings or avoid making plans to visit. We need to tackle negative views with a loud and clear message that Cumbria is open for business; events are taking place, accommodation is available and attractions are open across the county.”

The NWDA has already launched a £1m package of flood recovery grants for small businesses. Further information is available from Business Link Northwest.