A Cumbrian business organisation says it has strengthened its commitment to the clean energy sector with two appointments.

Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster has elected Ruth Sellick, marketing and communications executive for nuclear fuel company Orano UK, and Charlotte Penn, business development manager for horticultural and engineering firm CambridgeHOK as board directors.

Their appointment comes as the group prepares to hold its first Net Zero Group meeting on August 18, following its Global Reach event last year.

Speakers at the event will include Chris Jackson, chair of the UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, Sara Warwick, director of finance for nuclear plant Sizewell C - who will be talking about EDF and the Moorside site near Sellafield - and Tim Gale chair of the Cumbria Climate Action Group.

Ivan Baldwin chair of BECBC said: “We are delighted to have Ruth and Charlotte on the board of directors.

“They have both brought leadership, energy and a strong commitment to our organisation through their previous work on the shadow board.

“Ruth has played an intrinsic role in managing our first ever clean-energy event, Global Reach, in 2019. Equally, Charlotte is very much a driver in our pursuit to open up new opportunities for our members in the clean-energy sector."

Ruth, who was formerly chair of BECBC’s shadow board, said: “It’s an exciting and forward-looking organisation to be part of and it is very rewarding to make a contribution to local businesses, the community and supply chain.

“I’m keen to pursue the huge potential for BECBC members to develop business opportunities through regional, national and international collaboration, especially as part of BECBC’s Covid-19 recovery programme.”

Charlotte added: “The cluster is an amazing group of businesses which make you feel like you are part of a community not just a networking group.

“Our focus on net zero and our new BECBC Net Zero Group will help our members come together to explore new business opportunities while adjusting their own businesses to be part of global net zero goals.”