John Stevenson - Serving Cumbria

31/10/2025

The main sponsors of the 2026 Carlisle Skills Fair have been announced.

13/10/2025

Don’t delay if you want to join us on the day!

13/09/2025

Delighted to be championing Cumbria at our Destination True North event yesterday. We have so much to offer visitors as a region but much work to do to grow our tourism economy in all areas, all year round.

Efforts by politicians, tourism leaders and supporters are being stepped up in a bid to entice more tourists to sample the attractions of what they say represents the ‘true north.’

17/06/2025

https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/25237305.former-carlislemp-warns-serious-tax-rises-spending-review/

A former MP for Carlisle has warned of the potential for ‘serious tax rises’ after the chancellor’s spending review.

13/06/2025

My thoughts on the Chancellor’s Spending Review Announcements👇
If you have your own thoughts on the spending review please do comment below.

11/06/2025

The rural economy really does matter. Here in the North East and Cumbria – the True North – it is even more important given the size of the rural economy and its wider impact. Following on from a very successful conference, held at Hexham racecourse, we are calling for firm action by government, both local and national to ensure we have the policies and support in place to ensure a prosperous future for our rural communities.

12/05/2025

Our rural sector is currently facing a very uncertain future. We at True North see the vital contribution this sector makes not just to the regional economy but to the national wellbeing. Across the North East and Cumbria, the true north, our rural businesses are a key driver for growth.
Our first rural economy event will focus on
- where the rural economy is likely to be in ten years;
- the key drivers for the sector;
- how the rural north can contribute further to the regional and national interest;
- what should national Government, regional authorities and devolution do for the long term vitality of our communities.

If you are involved in business, hospitality, transport, tourism, farming, food and drink, estate management, skills, business support and start ups in the North East and Cumbria do sign up to join us.

I am introducing an excellent panel of speakers but would like to hear what you have to say. Book your place via the email address below.

20/03/2025

Sign the petition here 👇

08/03/2025

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/true-north-think-tank-launch-31155927.amp

The new think tank will focus on policies to improve economic and social outcomes in the North East and Cumbria

07/03/2025

07/03/2025

More information on True North Research and Policy here:-

​A new think tank, True North Policy & Research, has been launched with the aim of boosting the economy and social outcomes of the North East…

07/03/2025

After months of work behind the scenes, today myself and colleagues launched True North Research and Policy in Newcastle.

True North aims to unite businesses, politicians from all parties, and experts to influence national and local government to adopt policies to improve economic and social outcomes in the True North - the North East and Cumbria.

My role is Chair of the think tank, which aims to focus in particular on economic activity, education and skills, health and social mobility.

We were delighted today to be joined by Lord Ben Houchen - Tees Valley Mayor, Sarah Mullholland, Deputy Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership and Rob Parsons, Editor of the Northern Agenda.

With thanks to UNW for hosting the event and Simon Williams of Crest Photography for the use of his photographs.

The next meeting is in Carlisle at the end of March.

You can find out more at: https://www.truenorthpolicy.co.uk

Sign up for details of future events by emailing [email protected].