iSH Making ideas Work

11/06/2026

A new episode of iSH Presents is now live.

In this episode, Hannah speaks with Leigh Seaman, Client Executive Partner at Atos, about how digital technology is shaping Cumbria’s future.

They explore the role of global organisations working alongside SMEs, and why investing in local skills and talent is key to building a resilient, future-ready regional economy.

Watch here: https://loom.ly/KMMcCrs
Listen here: Spotify - https://loom.ly/vqLZr3g
Apple - https://loom.ly/KlTh1dE
Podchaser - https://loom.ly/P1Y7uZk

10/06/2026

Just over a week on from our DNWP Market Engagement event at Energus, Workington, it’s clear the strength of the day was not just in the numbers, but in the value created for those involved.

We asked delegates what they gained from attending, and their reflections highlight the practical impact – from making new connections and raising awareness of capabilities, to gaining clearer insight into opportunities within Sellafield Ltd’s decommissioning programme.

iSH exists to ensure Cumbria’s supply chain, and SMEs in particular, can access these opportunities and play a role in delivering this significant mission.

As a next step, we are continuing to work with the DNWP team to identify ways to bring solutions to their technical challenges.

Thank you to Jimmy Highton, Heather Moore, Simon Martin C Eng MIET MAPM, Trudy Harrison and John McGibbon for taking the time to share their views – and to everyone who has been in touch since the event with their feedback.

This week at iSH has brought industry, supply chain partners and education providers together to strengthen capability a...
05/06/2026

This week at iSH has brought industry, supply chain partners and education providers together to strengthen capability across Cumbria.

From 398 delegates and 185 companies engaged, to targeted SME interactions and hands-on student learning, activity has focused on creating real opportunities for collaboration, innovation and growth.

04/06/2026

𝗕𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

We’re excited to announce two amazing opportunities to help shape something new on the harbourside this summer and take part in one of the shows. Have a look and see if either is for you, or share far and wide with friends who you think might want to take part.

𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗢𝘂𝘁
We're on the lookout for an early-career artist to develop a new walkabout act for Whitehaven Weekender 2026.

It will be an act that will engage, excite, and engross our festival audiences, and we're particularly interested in commissioning a walkabout with an emphasis on high visual impact.

This opportunity will likely be attractive to movement artists, fashion designers, sculptors, mimes, circus artists, installation artists and the like.

Find out more and apply here: https://www.rosehilltheatre.co.uk/explore/vacancies/artist-call-out-whitehaven-weekender-2026

𝗕𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄
You don’t need to be a professional artist to take part in this opportunity!

We’re looking for 6 people who want to step in, get involved and work together to be part of one of our live performances on Saturday 29th August 2026.

Each performer will be fully costumed and made up, and will be part of rehearsals as part of before the show. No experience is required, and this will be a lovely chance to make new friends and memories.

Find out more and apply: https://www.rosehilltheatre.co.uk/explore/vacancies/be-part-of-a-show-at-whitehaven-weekender

Rosehill Theatre NEAD CIC Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners Sellafield Ltd iSH Copeland Community Fund Mott MacDonald

AI for Industry & Innovation.Today’s technical talks brought together a diverse mix of local digital businesses, technol...
04/06/2026

AI for Industry & Innovation.

Today’s technical talks brought together a diverse mix of local digital businesses, technology specialists and industry leaders to explore one of the most significant technological developments facing organisations today.

A special thank you to our speakers for sharing their expertise and practical insights:
🔹 Ian Irving, Managing Director, Levels Whitehaven
🔹 Daniel Braund, Senior AI Lead, Sellafield Ltd
🔹 Mike Hill, Technical Director, Atos
🔹 Alex Grainger, Director & Head of Geospatial, Tetra Tech
🔹 Dr John O'Hare, Chief Hallucination Officer, DREAMLAB‑AI

From AI adoption challenges to real‑world industrial applications and emerging agentic technologies, the session highlighted both the opportunities and considerations organisations face as AI continues to evolve.

Strong engagement throughout the day demonstrated clear interest in how AI can be applied across sectors and business contexts.

The event also created valuable connections between businesses and industry experts, reinforcing the role of iSH’s Digital Cumbria Cluster’s in bringing together expertise, encouraging collaboration and supporting innovation across the region.

It also highlighted the depth of expertise within Cumbria and the wider innovation ecosystem, while creating a platform for knowledge sharing and future opportunities.

Congratulations to West Coast Sixth Form, based at Workington Academy, the winners of this year’s iSH and RAICo Robotics...
03/06/2026

Congratulations to West Coast Sixth Form, based at Workington Academy, the winners of this year’s iSH and RAICo Robotics Sprint Challenge.

Over the past six weeks, students have been working hard to design, build and programme a small robot to take on a mock, real-world nuclear challenge, safely moving hazardous waste from a retrieval zone to a disposal zone.

The Sprint allows students to work collaboratively, build practical STEM skills, and experience the fast-paced, innovative environments that define careers in robotics, AI and engineering.

An equal well done to teams from West Lakes Academy and Energy Coast UTC, who also took part.

We were also pleased to welcome industry representatives from Createc, Amentum, VizFX, CORE Nuclear Solutions and React Engineering, who joined us to see the challenges in action and meet the next generation of talent.

This initiative forms part of our wider commitment to developing future talent and supporting long-term investment in Cumbria’s people and economy.

That’s a wrap on our DNWP Market Engagement event.A big thank you to all of today’s speakers, exhibitors and delegates w...
02/06/2026

That’s a wrap on our DNWP Market Engagement event.

A big thank you to all of today’s speakers, exhibitors and delegates who made it such a valuable and engaging day at Energus.

From the morning sessions with DNWP partners and Sellafield leaders, to this afternoon’s SME presentations and Meet the Seller appointments, it’s been great to see so much activity centred around innovation, collaboration and future opportunities.

With more than 45 exhibitors, 300+ delegates and a strong line-up of SME capability showcases, today has been a brilliant example of the strength and potential within our local supply chain.

And most importantly, it has been encouraging to see DNWP partners actively opening the door for new ideas, novel techniques and fresh thinking, creating real opportunities for Cumbrian businesses.

02/06/2026

Our DNWP Market Engagement event has been a great success so far.

It has been encouraging to see DNWP partners inviting the supply chain to come forward with innovative solutions and novel techniques; an exciting opportunity for iSH Cluster members.

This afternoon’s sessions revolve around SME presentations and our Meet the Seller appointments, giving supply chain SMEs an excellent opportunity to showcase their capabilities and explore specific solutions.

Energus is buzzing with activity this morning as our DNWP Market Engagement event gets under way.Over the course of the ...
02/06/2026

Energus is buzzing with activity this morning as our DNWP Market Engagement event gets under way.

Over the course of the day, we will hear from DNWP partners and Sellafield leaders about opportunities to play a key role in the future of Sellafield’s decommissioning journey.

More than 20 SMEs will present their capabilities to delegates, and there will be upwards of 20 facilitated Meet the Seller appointments.

With in excess of 45 exhibitors and 300 delegates, we are set for an impactful day, driven by meaningful presentations and high-quality interactions to support supply chain engagement and unlock new opportunities.

It’s a busy week ahead for iSH, with three important activities taking place across the region.📍 DNWP Market Engagement ...
01/06/2026

It’s a busy week ahead for iSH, with three important activities taking place across the region.

📍 DNWP Market Engagement Event
Tuesday 2 June | Energus

📍 RAICo1 – KS5 Sprint Showcase
Wednesday 3 June | RAICo1

📍 Digital Cumbria: AI for Industry & Innovation
Thursday 4 June | Ingwell Hall

Across the week, the focus is on bringing people together and showcasing the capabilities of Cumbria - from supply chain engagement and programme visibility to skills development, digital innovation, and encouraging the next generation to explore future careers in robotics.

If you’re attending any of the events, we look forward to seeing you there.

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Phase 3 Phoenix Enterprise Centre
Cleator Moor
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