Welcome to Cumbria Combined Authority

I’m delighted that you’re interested in finding out more about these two vital leadership roles in the new Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA).

This astonishing place is a bit like the Tardis – there’s so much happening that we sometimes wonder how it all fits in. Cumbria’s contribution to Britain’s security, prosperity and reputation spans sectors as diverse as clean energy and industrial decarbonisation, defence, ports and coastal regeneration, agriculture and food production, and our thriving visitor economy.

Today, that contribution matters more than ever. Across the county, major investment in transport, connectivity and energy infrastructure is being matched by ambitious regeneration and housing programmes. Developments such as St Cuthbert’s Garden Village in Carlisle and the £200 million Barrow Rising transformation are creating a visible sense of progress and momentum. You can feel the pride people have in Cumbria, and the growing confidence in our future.

The new combined authority gives us the capacity, partnerships and resources to turn that momentum into long-term success. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to have real conversations about what Cumbria is good at, what we are building, and how we make it easier for businesses and investors to get things done.

As we prepare to welcome our first elected Mayor in 2027, we are laying the foundations of an exemplary place-shaping organisation that will bring new powers and funding to our county. Building on the Going for Growth strategy, our vision is for a modern, entrepreneurial economy where world-leading sector strengths and an outstanding natural environment drive prosperity for all people and places.

For the right people, these roles offer an opportunity to help shape not only a new institution, but the future direction of one of the most important and distinctive places in the country. I can’t imagine a more compelling professional proposition, and I look forward to meeting talented, energetic people who feel the same way.

John Barradell OBE
Interim Chief Executive
Cumbria Combined Authority