Cumbria Chamber of Commerce’s flagship business event, Conference Cumbria, returns this year with over 300 innovators, leaders and experts expected to attend to hear from headline speaker, Sara Davies MBE – ‘My journey so far and how to craft your own success story’.

Taking place on 2nd October at Derwent Pencil Museum, the 2025 conference is centred on the theme ‘Make It Happen’, with talks and discussions on taking action to seize opportunities, overcome challenges and build thriving businesses through entrepreneurship, strong leadership and teamwork.

As part of this year’s programme, the Chamber is shining a spotlight on emerging talent with a special Young Entrepreneurs Panel. Attendees will hear from five of Cumbria’s most exciting young business owners, each of whom is already making a powerful impact in their industries. Panelists include:

• Georgina Goulding, Founder of Bakes by Gina – Gina left civil engineering to launch her baking business in 2021. She now runs a thriving business and café and recently won the 2024 Mitie Business Boost competition.
• Clyne Albertelli, MD of Co-Lab Engineering – a serial entrepreneur with a background in the engineering and nuclear sector, Clyne has raised nearly £1M in funding and specialises in delivering innovative technology projects.
• Oliver Hodgson, Founder & MD of Platinum Live – at just 21, Oliver is an award-winning entrepreneur and media personality. As Founder & Managing Director of Platinum Live, he runs a creative communications agency working with major brands on PR, social media, and live events.
• Lou Kneath, Co-Founder & CEO of +3K Animation Studios – Lou leads an award-winning animation studio with projects for SkyKids, global brands and international broadcasters, and served on the 2024 British Animation Awards jury.
• Luke Jackson, Founder of Stoked Adventures – Luke is an adventure coach and mountain leader who helps business leaders break through barriers—both mental and physical. With experience running and scaling businesses and tackling extreme endurance challenges, he takes entrepreneurs out of their comfort zones and into the mountains to find clarity and direction.

The Young Entrepreneurs Panel will take place on the morning of the conference and explore themes such as innovation, resilience, leadership, and how to ‘make it happen’ when building a business from the ground up. Attendees can expect candid insights and actionable advice from the panelists with the opportunity to get involved and ask questions.

Lesley Robinson, Head of Business Support, said:

“We’re proud to be showcasing some of Cumbria’s brilliant young entrepreneurs at this year’s conference. Their drive, creativity, and resilience perfectly capture the spirit of our theme – Make It Happen. Paired with insights from our other speakers and event headliner Sara Davies, this promises to be our most exciting Conference Cumbria to date!”

Tickets can be purchased via the Chamber’s website here

Member tickets are priced at £85 + VAT and Non Member tickets at £110 + VAT.

With thanks to our sponsors: Dodd & Co Chartered Accountants,  Go Low Carbon, David Allen, Razzamataz, Leader Connect, Westmorland & Furness Council and Cumberland Council.