Angela Kershaw named head of business growth at Blackpool Council

Angela Kershaw has been appointed as the new head of business growth at Blackpool Council.

Angela, who assumed her role in November, brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously held senior roles in economic development at Wyre Council and most recently at Lancashire County Council, where she supported Foreign Owned Companies across Lancashire and fostered relationships with businesses from around the globe including the USA, Italy, and Chile.

The timing of Angela's appointment is particularly significant as it coincides with the recent introduction of two new business academies and signals a new era of growth and development for Blackpool. Angela's leadership of the Business Growth Team, the Blackpool Unlimited portal, the Blackpool Growth Business Academy and the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy comes at a pivotal time for the town, and her expertise is expected to play a crucial role in driving economic expansion within the community.

Angela's roots in Blackpool run deep. She was born there, and has many happy memories of her childhood there, having spent much of that time growing up in a Blackpool guest house, and it's apt she can now contribute to the town's growth and prosperity. She is based at The Enterprise Centre, formerly the Lido Baths, a location that holds special significance for her, as it is where as a child she learned to swim. Additionally, Angela is known for her passion for photography, with her work having been published in various publications including Octane Magazine, VW Camper and Commercial Magazine, and numerous local and community magazines.

Angela is recognised as a transformative leader who, in her new role, is committed to shaping the services to support Blackpool's economic expansion. In addition to her duties as head of business growth, she will continue her voluntary role as an enterprise advisor at Myerscough College and plans to also support a local school or college in a similar position, inspiring the next generation and nurturing future talent.

The Academies are fully-funded and exist to help qualifying businesses grow sustainably. Talk to Blackpool Unlimited about the support available to grow your business and take your net zero journey. Email [email protected] or call The Business Growth Team on 01253 477147.