Business leaders unite as ambassadors to champion the county

A coalition of Lancashire's most influential business leaders - Lancashire Ambassadors - is to champion the county's strengths on the national and international stage.

The Lancashire Ambassadors programme includes senior figures from across the county's diverse business landscape including BAE, Booths, Conlon Construction, Forbes, GA Petfoods, PM+M and Stonyhurst College, who are continuing to invest their time, resources and commitment to showcase why Lancashire is an exceptional place to live, work, and invest.

The current group of ambassadors include: Nigel Murray of Booths, Hannah Swindell of BAE Systems, Guy Parker of Conlon, Pauline Wild of Forbes Solicitors, Roger Bracewell of GA Petfoods, Judith Dugdale of PM+M and Zak Khan of Qwala.

There are plans for expansion of the ambassadors to also include rising stars of the businesses during the year.

The ambassadors will be working with Marketing Lancashire to leverage their collective influence and networks to articulate Lancashire's unique strengths to national and international audiences throughout 2026 and beyond.

In the coming months, they will deliver thought leadership and speaking opportunities at national conferences and industry events, host open days and familiarisation trips showcasing Lancashire's business infrastructure and innovation and host workshops and networking events connecting businesses with opportunities and expertise.

Vikki Harris, marketing and partnerships director of Marketing Lancashire, said: "The Lancashire Ambassadors’ programme represents business leaders who don't just talk about Lancashire's potential - they're investing their own credibility, time and resources to make it happen.

"Their collective voice continues to amplify what we've always known: that Lancashire offers exceptional quality of life, outstanding business opportunities, and a community that genuinely supports success."

Harris added: "This is the 8th year of the programme and what makes it truly special is the diversity of sectors and perspectives represented.

"From food production to construction, education to professional services, from manufacturing to cutting-edge innovation – these Ambassadors speak authentically about Lancashire's strengths because they're living and building their success here every day.” 

Throughout the year the group will champion key themes reflecting Lancashire's strategic priorities and the Ambassadors' own areas of expertise and passion.

These include regenerative farming practices showcasing Lancashire's agricultural innovation and sustainable food production, food waste reduction and circular economy initiatives, highlighting businesses leading environmental change;

It will also shine the spotlight on female leadership and gender diversity, celebrating women driving business success across the county.

Talent recruitment and retention are also on the agenda positioning Lancashire as a destination for skilled professionals and businesses as families, demonstrating Lancashire's people-first business culture and strong workforce communities.

"The ambition to take Lancashire beyond the county demonstrates the strength of this programme," added Harris.

"We're not waiting for national recognition to come to us – we're taking our story to where it matters most. The Ambassadors will ensure Lancashire's voice is heard across the country.”