Blackburn: Why go anywhere else?

By Oliver McCann, employment & HR partner, head of Napthens East Lancashire Office.

Last year Napthens had to make a decision about our Blackburn office.

Following 5 years of 20-30% growth year on year, we had run out of room at Greenbank Business Park. So, should we reinvest in larger premises in Blackburn with Darwen (“BWD”) - or look elsewhere for additional space?

We elected to invest in larger premises in BWD – and our base at Walker Park, Blackburn allows for continued growth for the next 5+ years.

Why invest in Blackburn?

BWD is going places. We see significant opportunity to continue our growth here and support other businesses to do the same.

With the regeneration of the town centre and ongoing development of industrial estates, commercial premises and residential building around the area – BWD is on the up.

The area is changing, with public and private sectors coming together to invest in its future, creating fantastic opportunities for growth and prosperity for businesses and individuals.

Blackburn Youth Zone is doing a fantastic job raising the aspirations of our young people, creating a real buzz, whilst bringing businesses together in a common cause.

Add into the mix the increased activity of the HIVE Network and the work of Lancashire Enterprise Adviser Network (bringing schools and businesses together); there is a great vibe within the community.

With the Pennine Gateways project to improve access into Blackburn off M65 junctions 4, 5 and 6, Napthens location at Junction 5 means we are well placed to service surrounding areas including Burnley, Hyndburn and Pendle.

Whilst we are based in BWD, we believe it is important for Lancashire towns to work together - and for Lancashire businesses and people to buy Lancashire. Everything you need is on your doorstep and we wanted to ensure that BWD and other East Lancashire towns had access to quality legal services right here – there’s no need to go anywhere else.