THE Lake District is rated as a major strength of England's North West, according to research for the region's development agency. A survey by MORI saw 22 per cent of all respondents citing the national park as the first thing that sprung to mind when thinking of the region. Peter Mearns, director of marketing at the Northwest Development Agency, said: "The Lake District is an instantly recognisable brand and a major pull for visitors to this great region, playing a crucial role in boosting the regional economy."

New factory...A SOUTH Lakeland firm has expanded by moving to a new purpose-built factory. SBS Cumbria Ltd, a fabricator and stockist supplying windows, conservatory roofs and building products to tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts, has taken a unit at the Parkside Business Park in Kendal. SBS Cumbria owner John Uttley said: "With an ever-expanding customer base, we found we had outgrown our former premises, so we moved to this new factory, which is purpose-built to manufacture the Quantal conservatory roof." Mr Uttley said the roof system, which is powder-coated aluminium, internally clad with upvc, lent itself to large, unusually shaped roofs.

Mutual pledge...FURNESS Building Society has reaffirmed its commitment to remaining an independent society. Chairman John Winder told the society's annual meeting that the board regularly considered the issue and firmly believed mutual status was in the best interests of its members. "We will certainly take whatever steps we feel are necessary to preserve this status. By remaining mutual and not having to pay dividends to shareholders, the society can continue top focus on the needs of our members, charging lower mortgage rates and paying higher investment rates," he said.

On the map...BURLINGTON Stone is on top of the world after helping to create a focal point for the Scottish office of a leading global drinks company. Diageo formerly Guinness UDV has a circular map of the world inside its Edinburgh base, created using Burlington's Broughton Moor natural stone. Burlington joint managing director Malcolm Hatch said: "We are delighted that our material has been put to such innovative and practical use within the Scottish headquarters of a global company that is respected for its world famous drink brands."

Grants boost...FURNESS firms can cash in on a new grant scheme offering greater help for capital investment projects than was previously available. Businesses can apply for discretionary grants worth a minimum of £10,000 and up to £100,000 under the DTI-funded scheme, which started on April 1. They must show the project will create or safeguard skilled jobs and will boost productivity. For details, contact Furness Enterprise on 01229-820611.

Bowing out...CHRIS Gilsenan has retired as the local agent for the Forum of Private Business, after three years in the post. Mr Gilsenan, who managed the south east of England area of the forum before moving to Baycliff, was elected president of the 41 Club in Ulverston, a group for ex-Round Table members.

Healthy talk...OCCUPATIONAL hygiene will be discussed at the next meeting of South Cumbria Occupational Health and Safety Group at the Netherwood Hotel, Grange-over-Sands, on May 20, starting at 2pm. For details, ring 01524-822072.