CUMBRIAN produce has been given a boost with the relaunch of the Made in Cumbria brand at the opening of a new store in Kendal.

And the Stramongate venue will also become home to the Tourist Information Centre next year.

The Made In Cumbria brand has been helping support businesses across Cumbria grow for 20 years.

It has been credited with helping many businesses develop, creating jobs and having a significant impact on the local economy – particularly in the food and craft sectors.

In May this year, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce took over the brand from Cumbria County Council, with funding support from the Northwest Regional Development Agency for the first two years, as well as continued funding from the county council.

At the relaunch last Friday, Derek Armstrong, director of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is not just a fantastic opportunity for Kendal, but for the whole of Cumbria, and coupled with the TIC moving to the store, we are confident that the brand is strong and Cumbria will benefit from this.”

The Stramongate store allows Cumbrian businesses the chance to sell their goods, which range from local foods to jewellery and artwork.

There is also a new website which features an e-magazine and the brand already has 250 members.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron, who also attended the relaunch, said: “It’s great to see such a positive step being taken with regard to Cumbria as a brand and it is all thanks to the hard work put in by everybody connected to it.

“In these difficult times you have to make your own luck and Kendal is bucking the trend.

"Together with the K Village and stores such as HMV opening up in tough times, Kendal and Cumbria are doing well.”