‘Brexit having an impact’

Uncertainty over Brexit and the current political situation is having an impact with some developers now holding back on schemes, Barnfield Construction founder Tim Webber told an audience at a Lancashire Business View networking event.

The chairman and managing director of the £70m turnover business said some projects were being delayed as people assessed the situation. But he said he believed they would still happen.

He also spoke of his company’s regeneration work, including the Weaver’s Triangle and Brierfield Mill projects in the east of the county, and his desire for them to make a real difference for their communities.

Nelson-born Tim, who founded the business in the mid-70s also highlighted the importance of joint ventures to get projects off the drawing board in this part of the world.

Tim said: “Through the partnerships we are creating, we have a pipeline of aspirations across East Lancashire.”

The event, for the launch of the July/August edition of Lancashire Business View, took place at Brockholes and attracted 80 delegates from across the county.

They also took part in a question and answer session on recruitment and HR with three experts from the county brought together by the magazine.

Joanne Holborn, employment partner at Baines Wilson, Laura Hartley, director a recruitment specialist LH Recruitment and Louisa Scanlon, director of Collaborate Business Solutions, spoke on a range of issues, from getting recruitment right to staff engagement and leadership.

The event also heard more details of Lancashire Business View’s new Sub 36 programme to highlight the talent of the county’s young business people. Colne-based Hargreaves, Brown & Benson Chartered Accountants' 100th anniversary was also highlighted at the event with the presentation of a special edition of Lancashire Business View to senior partner Steven Wood.