Burnley is a boom town bucking national trends, says council chief

By Lancashire Business View

18 Jul 2017

Burnley Council chief executive Pam Smith has praised the town's warmth, 'get it done' mentality and economic prosperity.

Addressing an audience at Towneley Hall, Pam Smith talked of The Times newspaper headline calling Burnley an "oasis of warmth" and the town's ranking as the 11th most business-friendly location in the UK.

She said: "Burnley has a reputation for getting things done and has a strong package to offer investors – a proactive and supportive business environment and a great transport infrastructure.

"We are growing above regional trends and have been named a top five Boom Town in the North West by economic experts. We are bucking the national trends – we have ambition, strong business partnerships, and the results are there for all to see.

She added: "Our ambition was to be recognised for growth and a good place to do business; to change how people think and feel about Burnley and to do things differently and get noticed for all the right reasons – and we are achieving all these things.

"I’m passionate about creating a confident, skilled and aspiring up-and-coming generation and I think we are achieving just that. “

Pam Smith was speaking before an audience of 600, gathered for the the annual Burnley Business Awards where companies from across the town were recognised for their excellence over the last 12 months.