Gary Lovatt

Biography

Gary been the owner and director of his own small businesses since 1994 – primarily in the financial sector as an IFA and now as a Guest House Owner in the hospitality sector.  He is a Board Director for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and also FSB National Lead for Insurance. He sits on a number of boards including the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnerships committees on Visitor Economy and Business Strategy, Keswick Tourism Association and trustee for Keswick Youth Centre Services. All of which gives him a clear insight into the needs and challenges facing SMEs in both running a business and employing talented people and this is experience he draws on for his work with FSB and now the University.

Gary has regular engagement with MPs and MEPs and has made numerous appearances on television and radio, on key business issues, speaking out on behalf of small businesses.

With 18 years’ service in the Military and holding several leadership positions. A qualified Rock climbing, Caving and canoeing Instructor. He has also been on top of every mountain in England over 2000 feet.

Married to Sue with two Labrador’s and 14 Grandchildren his spare time is equally full and varied.

Gary said “It is an honor to join the board of the University of Cumbria and I look forward to working alongside the other Directors. It is important that the University continues to provide support to Students (both young & old) by being accessible to all. The business community can only gain from such a link, and I look forward to ensuring businesses thrive and entrepreneurship is strong in Cumbria”