Remote Working Index - Cumbria

Powering Remote Working Across Cumbria

On this page, explore the data and insights behind Fibrus’ Remote Working Index – highlighting the towns leading the way for remote workers across Cumbria. 

Why this matters

Fibrus created the Remote Working Index to shed light on how connectivity is influencing not just where people work, but also how and where they choose to live. 

Remote working has transformed the traditional workplace, enabling employees to settle wherever suits them best without limiting their career opportunities. This shift is fuelling a surge in rural economies and allowing communities across Cumbria to thrive. 

With full fibre broadband rolling out across Cumbria, this research highlights the towns best placed to support remote working – combining strong broadband, affordability and quality of life. It also reflects the growing role of digital infrastructure in supporting regional growth and more sustainable local economies. 

Key findings snapshot

• Carlisle top location for remote working  
• Cumbria is on target to have 99% full fibre broadband coverage by the end of 2027 enabling towns to compete beyond traditional urban centres  
• Affordability remains a key driver, with strong value across top-ranking towns  
• Access to green space continues to shape quality of life for remote workers  
• Results highlight the growing appeal of well-connected rural and commuter towns 

Where remote working works, meet the people...

Suzanne Elsworth, Cockermouth

Suzanne Elsworth, a freelance copywriter and journalist, has worked from home since she and her husband moved to Cockermouth from Cheshire in 2009.

Suzanne commented:

We moved here as a lifestyle choice. Cockermouth is a gorgeous place to live. It’s still a real town with brilliant independent businesses. If I fancy a screen break or need something, I just walk into town.

Although she has a home office, Suzanne sometimes makes use of The Vicky Business Centre, which hires out fully equipped serviced office space and is one of the reasons Cockermouth scored highly in Fibrus’ research.  She explained:

I love the flexibility of home working but it can get lonely. The Vicky is great – you meet other people. I also find that, particularly if I have a big job, going to a place of work helps me focus.

Joanna Fozard, Penrith

Joanna Fozard is Manager of Penrith BID (Business Improvement District) and works from her home in the town centre.

Joanna commented:

I work about 75 per cent in my office at home and the other 25 per cent I’m out visiting the businesses and seeing everyone. The town is brilliant for the train station and being on the M6 and A66. It’s a market town so it’s busy and real and it’s got heart. There are numerous cafes and coffee shops in town which are loved by home workers, as well as the bigger Booths and Cranstons cafes.

Joanna began home working eight years ago when she needed the flexibility around school hours, but connectivity was often a problem. The arrival of Fibrus superfast full fibre broadband has been a game changer.

It’s brilliant. There’s no buffering. No nonsense, it just works. It’s like the electric or the plumbing – it doesn’t occur to you that there will be any issues. It has also made Penrith a draw for professionals looking for a better quality of life. 

In the 10 years I have lived in Penrith it has changed from people living here at the weekends to go into the mountains but commuting to London or Glasgow in the week. Now a huge number of people are moving up from cities especially from the Southeast, and working from home for the quality of life.

You look up from your desk or go out the front door, and you are seeing the beautiful views. There are lovely walks from the doorstep. And if it’s a lovely day you can think I will jump into the hills or go up to Ullswater and have an ice cream. It’s not just living for the weekends.

There are a lot of people who have the feeling they can’t quite believe they live here. It’s become less about where you are and more about who you are talking to. And you might as well do it from this jewel.

Penrith Kirsty Power, Whitehaven

Employed in the civil service in Workington, the 29-year-old works from home most of the time while also managing a busy household with her two children, Mason and Maeve. 

Kirsty commented:

Since I’ve moved over to Fibrus I have noticed a difference in speeds…I work from home so it’s important for me to have good Wifi. My two kids are always on their iPads as well. I’ve never had a problem using the internet since I’ve had it to be honest.

In some parts of the house, when I was on the other provider the signal wasn’t very good, whereas I seem to get a signal all over the house now.

I’ll 100% stay with Fibrus and I’d definitely recommend them to people.

What our partners have to say

Nick Elgey, Sales and Marketing Consultant for estate agent Hackney & Leigh

Hackney & Leigh has offices across the Lake District, has noticed a marked increase in professionals moving to Cumbria.

He said: “They are able to relocate because they have the ability to work from home and they are drawn here for a better quality of life and, in many cases, more affordable property prices. Their key requirements are fast, reliable broadband and, for those with children, proximity to good schools.” 

Nick added: “It’s not only young families. We also see people winding down towards retirement, but still doing consultancy work, choosing to move here.”

The Northern Ireland (NI) Index

See how NI compares 

Our Northern Ireland (NI) Remote Working Index highlights the locations best suited to remote working across the region.