Big hitters line up to inspire the next generation of Lancashire businesses

Preston-based communications, PR and marketing business, 52M Consulting, is hosting a series of monthly speaking events as a Boost & Co partner, to inspire the next generation of Lancashire businesses, each featuring a renowned business leader who will share stories of their ups and downs as well as tips for success.

Lee Petts, the managing director at 52M Consulting, says the events are aimed at budding entrepreneurs, start-ups and early stage businesses to help them succeed: "Starting and running a business can be daunting, but also hugely rewarding. Hearing how others have achieved notable success can act as a real spur, and stimulate new ideas.

"But it can also be good to learn from the failures that people have experienced and how to avoid them, and reassuring to hear how others have been able to overcome the obstacles they've faced.

"Our guest speakers have very varied backgrounds and come from a wide range of industry sectors, but they all have one thing in common and that's a wealth of experience that younger businesses can learn from as they plan their futures."

Confirmed speakers include David Culshaw, founder of car leasing business UK Carline; Tony Attard, CEO of Burnley-based fabrics business Panaz; Anastasia Kenyon, founder of Kandi Cosmetics; David Hamer, CEO of Pakawaste; and Norman Tenray, CEO of construction supplies business Obas UK; Damian Broughton MBE of Danbro Group; and John Kersey of John Kersey Hairdressing, amongst others.

According to Lee, Lancashire lags behind other parts of the UK when it comes to new business starts. "Data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that, in 2018, the North West as a whole was responsible for 11.29% of all new business starts, in third place behind the South East (13.87%) and London (25.57%). But more locally, the picture is dominated by Greater Manchester, which was responsible for over half of all new business starts in 2018, followed by Merseyside which made up 17.95% of the regional tally. Lancashire was in third place at 15.13%

"These figures suggest that our biggest economic rivals in the region have a more entrepreneurial culture and that Lancashire needs to catch-up or eventually risk stagnating. Inspiring people of all ages to take the plunge and start their own businesses is an important step in growing the local economy whilst creating jobs and shared wealth."

The early-evening talks are set to take place on the first floor landing at Bizspace on Marsh Lane in Preston.

They begin on 19th February, with the first set to feature a talk from Damian Broughton MBE, co-founder of Danbro Holdings. Damian, whose company works extensively with freelancers and small businesses, explains why he's agreed to get involved in the events:

"When you’re starting a business, you can plan, budget, research and review, then plan and re-budget and research some more, but at some point you have got to take that step into the unknown.

“When you do, there is nothing like practical experience and learning from your mistakes, but that all takes time to gain - time which is in short supply because most new businesses fail within their first three years, often with the same root causes. By sharing our experience like this, we hope to not only inspire young businesses to become the best they can be, but to also learn from our mistakes so they can avoid repeating them and survive the early years."  

The series of events repeat every third Wednesday of the month throughout the year from 5.30-8.00pm, with drinks and light refreshments served on arrival.

For more details, visit www.thinkblackdot.com/an-evening-with-2020