'Rivals' are collaborating thanks to BECBC

Ewan Frost-Pennington, Director of Operations at Muncaster Castle, used to see his local Outward Bound centre as a rival. He’s happy that they are now working together for the good of West Cumbria – thanks to BECBC. 

Muncaster Castle, an historic visitor attraction near Ravenglass, joined BECBC two years ago. The business has benefited from making numerous connections, most recently with The Outward Bound Trust. Outward Bound is a charity supporting around 25,000 young people each year through residential outdoor learning courses that build confidence, resilience and self-belief. 

Ewan says: “I attended a BECBC Energy Network event at Energus last year and met Nat Jackson, The Outward Bound Trust’s Development Manager. Outward Bound has a centre at Eskdale, about three miles from here. 

“Prior to BECBC I never saw Outward Bound as a potential client, in that we are both venues that host various corporate groups. 

“But Nat was interested in the fact that we have a slightly different offer, and that we could be a great venue for them. That had never occurred to me, even though they’re so geographically close to us. However, BECBC allowed me to talk to the right person in the organisation to realise there were opportunities to collaborate.” 

The first result of this conversation at Energus was the “Spring Soirée” at Muncaster Castle last month to thank Outward Bound’s supporters. “We hosted this amazing meal,” says Ewan. “It was great for us because we got people from all over the UK, influential people who are interested in helping people access the outdoors, who had never been to Muncaster before. I’ll be following up some of those conversations. 

“The most fruitful relationship we’ve been able to establish is with Outward Bound. We’re talking about hosting a similar event next year and we’re looking to collaborate in other ways going forward. 

“I’d like to thank Outward Bound for basically challenging our thinking and proposing this collaboration. Rather than see them as a competitor, I now see them as an ally. We’re both trying to support businesses to get people enjoying the outdoors and to develop the next generation of leaders.” 

Being part of BECBC had already led to collaborations with other members of the cluster, including Forth Engineering. “Forth have helped us design our jousting set-up,” says Ewan. “And we’ve explored having corporate events here with them. 

“Muncaster traditionally has no overlap with the nuclear sector or non-touristic sectors. Like Outward Bound, we’re very different to the organisations people might expect to meet and do business through BECBC. I think that shows the strength of the organisation and the opportunities associated with being part of the network. 

“Since we joined, I understand better the challenges facing local businesses, no matter their sector. But also the opportunities. The more we are able to cement our place in the business community, strengthen partnerships, and just interact socially, the better. We really want to see businesses and the local economy succeed. Any part we can play in that is really important.” 

Nat Jackson says: “That initial conversation with Ewan has developed into a meaningful partnership, culminating in this special event at Muncaster. It brought together 25 guests in what felt like a truly special and intimate setting, kicking off a year of celebrations of a special anniversary; 75 years since Outward Bound's first young women's courses, which took place in Eskdale in 1951.   

“We’re always looking to partner with organisations that want to support our mission to use wild adventure to show young people they’re capable of more than they know. We’re particularly committed to those here in West Cumbria, where barriers to access can be especially challenging for young people. 

“This local partnership is a brilliant example of how the BECBC community can spark collaborations that quickly evolve into something tangible and impactful.”  

For more information about the benefits of being a BECBC member, call 01946 383205 or email enquiries@becbusinesscluster.co.uk 

*Main image used with thanks to Rob Duncalf/Muncaster Castle