Barrow-in-Furness is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation that will redefine the town’s future and play a vital role in the UK’s economy, industry, and national security.
At the centre of this shift is Barrow Rising, a bold and unifying movement created to drive long-term transformation for the town, aligning its regeneration, economic renewal, and social impact initiatives into a single compelling vision.
For the last 18 months, Forepoint has worked in close partnership with Team Barrow to shape, drive, and deliver this once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Through this close working, Forepoint developed the strategic idea, narrative, and identity for Barrow Rising, ensuring that the movement speaks to people, businesses, and communities as a call to action and a commitment to turning ambition into reality while positioning Barrow as a national model for place transformation.
A Nationally Critical Transformation
Barrow is home to some of the UK’s most strategically significant industries, including national defence, advanced manufacturing, and energy innovation. For the town to fulfil its potential, it must attract and retain the workforce, businesses, and infrastructure needed to support the UK’s long-term security and economic resilience.
Forepoint has helped to unify these efforts into a single transformational placemaking narrative, Barrow Rising, giving Barrow a clear, compelling identity that aims to inspire confidence, attract investment, and engage its communities.
First Phase Now Live: Barrow Rising Website & Town Plan
The transformation is already under way with the launch of the new Barrow Rising website (www.barrowrising.uk) and the Plan for Barrow (www.barrowrising.uk/our-plan). These platforms set out a bold roadmap for Barrow’s future, detailing major projects, investments, and opportunities for businesses, investors, and the local community to take action.
“Barrow Rising is more than regeneration. It’s a movement built to reshape Barrow’s future,” said Ralph Ardill, Non-Exec Strategy Partner at Forepoint. “From day one, our role has been to develop Barrow Rising as a transformational idea, something that unifies ambition, inspires belief, and drives action. The website and Plan for Barrow mark the first phase in what will be a long-term journey of change.”
Bringing Barrow’s Transformation to Life
Forepoint is leading the charge in ensuring Barrow Rising is built around a compelling story and becomes a powerful platform for engagement that drives real-world change.
“Place transformation requires more than investment. It needs a story that people can believe in and rally behind,” said Keith Noble, Creative Partner at Forepoint. “Barrow Rising is that story, and Forepoint has helped shape it from the ground up. Our role is to ensure it connects, inspires, and turns vision into reality.”
Over the last 18 months, Forepoint has helped align multiple stakeholders, create the strategic framework, and develop the identity, digital presence, and engagement tools that are making Barrow Rising a living, breathing movement.
“Barrow Rising is more than a programme. It’s a catalyst for long-term change,” said Steve Gill, Managing Partner at Forepoint. “It’s about ensuring Barrow becomes a place of opportunity, resilience, and national significance. Forepoint is proud to be part of this journey, not just in its early stages, but for the long haul as we continue leading this transformation.”
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. With the website and Plan for Barrow now live, the next phase will focus on building further engagement, driving investment, and bringing more transformational projects to life.
Neil Lauderdale, Head of Communications for Team Barrow, emphasised the commitment to continuing the partnership with Forepoint:
“Barrow Rising is about unlocking Barrow’s full potential, and it’s vital that we build on this momentum. The strategic vision and identity that Forepoint created have given us a powerful platform for change. We’re excited to continue working together, developing and delivering the next phases of Barrow Rising to ensure lasting benefits for the town, its businesses, and its people.”
Forepoint will continue working alongside Team Barrow, government partners, and industry leaders to ensure Barrow Rising becomes a national model for place transformation.
