12th June 2026
Led by the Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH), Digital Cumbria was established to strengthen the local digital network for businesses, showcase Cumbria as an emerging digital region with growing capability and ambition, support digital skills and create accessible pathways into digital careers. In just 12 months, the cluster has expanded to include 17 companies, bringing together a mix of SMEs and global firms with a local presence, all working collaboratively to strengthen Cumbria’s digital economy.
Over the past year, the cluster has delivered a successful programme to its members that has already made a measurable impact. Highlights include improved digital access and skills building opportunities with a partnership anchored at LEVELS. Collaborations between the facility with Barclays Eagle Labs, Digital Unite, BT and Atos have created new opportunities for young people to engage with digital technology and skills development. From gamification courses to digital repair workshops a new offering has been brought to the region through working together.
Ian Irving from LEVELS said this approach had helped create a more inclusive delivery model for the region.
“The Digital Cumbria connection opened the door to deliver Barclays Eagle Labs and Capgemini’s Digital Unite programmes from LEVELS, offering space, equipment and crew at no cost to partners,” he said. “It allowed us to create a genuinely inclusive community delivery model.”
Talent and innovation development has also been a major focus, with digital sprints hosted at Sellafield LTD Centre of Excellence helping participants gain hands-on experience tackling real-world challenges for a complex nuclear site. The six-week sprint gave participants exposure to live systems, operations and cross-discipline teams, helping to improve confidence, technical capability and readiness for digital careers.
The cluster has also strengthened collaboration across the region, with organisations forming new relationships, awareness of each others capability and the ability to refer to one another thus helping businesses work together more effectively. SMEs are increasingly sharing expertise and opportunities, creating what members describe as a more connected and responsive ecosystem.
Richard Holmes from ITI Group highlighted the value of collaboration within the network.
“We can introduce others rather than say ‘sorry we don’t do that’, and that helps us be seen as a trusted advisor,” he said.
Looking ahead, Digital Cumbria is preparing for an even more ambitious second year. Plans are already underway for the launch of a SME Tech Accelerator programme later this year, alongside a hackathon set to be hosted at LEVELS in early 2027. Further showcase events, collaboration opportunities and innovation activity are also planned as the cluster continues to champion Cumbria’s growing digital landscape.
As the network moves into its second year, iSH say the focus remains firmly on creating opportunity, strengthening regional capability and ensuring Cumbria is recognised nationally as a place where digital innovation can thrive.