An independent board has been formed with heads of Lancashire’s leading regional, national and international companies, with a view to boost growth in the local Lancashire economy and community.
Known as The Lancashire Business Board, the team will be working closely with Lancashire County, Blackburn, Blackpool and Darwen councils to stimulate economic growth.
During the first meeting on July 15, board members opted to write to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner MP, expressing their support for more independent authority in Lancashire to make economic decisions.
Speaking in an interview with Lancashire Telegraph, Lancashire County Council’s leader, Phillippa Williamson said: “A vibrant business community which helps inform local authorities and government is absolutely vital in ensuring our county’s economy continues to grow and flourish.
“Members of the board will be able to draw on their own experiences to inform, stimulate and scrutinise the delivery of local policies intended to grow the economy.”
The board is very excited for the Convention of the North 2025 which will be hosted in Preston on February 27 and 28 by Lancashire County Council and the University of Central Lancashire.
Cllr Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Lancashire has been underachieving from a growth and skills perspective and we want to use the Level 2 Devolution deal to start to make up the ground on our neighbours with their Combined Authorities.
“The Business Board made up of significant Lancashire-based business leaders will help enormously with that mission.”
Blackpool Council’s Leader, Lynn Williams, added: “The Business Board’s support for a devolution deal for Lancashire was very evident, particularly in the quick, decisive action that was taken to express their support for such a deal with the deputy prime minister Angela Rayner MP.
“The expertise across the board is exactly what Lancashire and Blackpool need to help to grow our economy.
“We very much look forward to working with the board further.”
Speaking to local businesses, David Beard of Lending Expert, a local mortgage and finance broker commented:
“I am delighted at the sound of boosting economic opportunities in Lancashire. We have great colleges, universities, minds and we are well located to other major cities in the north, Wales and Scotland.”
“I have personally decided to stay and continue to grow my small team in this area rather than outsource or move to London. I feel that there are lots of opportunities that can be developed surrounding tourism, golf, food, hospitality, history and more.”
