From rising costs and recruitment issues to changing guest expectations and business uncertainty, Cumbria’s hospitality sector certainly has a lot on its plate.

For two days a year there is an opportunity for people from across the business of entertaining and looking after guests to come together and connect as a community.

The Lakes Hospitality Show has been held for 49 years and is an event which organisers say is as much about collaboration as it is doing business with a wide variety of trades on show. From vital professional backroom services that help any business tick to those providing food and drink, decorating services, laundry, bedding and the myriad range of specialist support without which a visitor economy collectively worth £4.6 bn would not function.

We report from the trade show and hear how hospitality is facing the opportunities and challenges of 2026.