Collaboration high on the agenda for county’s new executive director

By Ged Henderson

12 May 2022

Lancashire County Council has named Phil Green as its new executive director of growth, environment and transport.

With more than 25 years' experience in local government, Phil joined the authority in 2019 and takes over from Stephen Young, who recently joined Halton Council as chief executive.

In his time at Lancashire Phil has delivered on numerous strategic development projects including its £20bn investment pipeline.

He is also leading work in collaboration with partners around a County Deal and a longer-term plan to be known as ‘Lancashire 2050’, which will draw in other issues such as health, wellbeing and community-building.

Phil said: “This role is rightly described as one of most exciting jobs in local government, providing the opportunity to lead change and really make a difference to people's lives.”

He is described as a “strong believer in collaborative working” and says he has strived to reach out to council partners in Lancashire over the past three years, building on existing relationships and creating new ones.

This close partnership approach is encompassed by efforts to establish ‘Our New Deal for a Greater Lancashire’, the first phase of work that paves the way for a County Deal, part of the government's levelling up and devolution plans.

Announced in July 2021, County Deals aim to take devolution beyond the largest cities, transferring powers from Whitehall to local areas over things like transport, skills and economic support as well as nature recovery and business engagement.

To deliver this locally, all 15 council leaders in Lancashire have been working in close collaboration to develop a shared vision and key priorities.

Phil said: “Lancashire has huge ambitions, and the scale of opportunity is plain to see, with the county unified like never before. It’s a historic moment in Lancashire for all councils to come together and agree on such a significant issue.

“I want to build on that momentum, empowering more of our staff, teams and partners to embrace the approach and work together in a collaborative way, because that’s the only way we're going to deliver all the things that we want to deliver.”

Phil stressed that the people – and creating opportunities for their communities – must remain at the heart of everything the council does.

However, he adds that while creating job opportunities is a crucial element to the role, one aspect that often gets lost among the headline-grabbing multi-million-pound economic projects is the importance of weaving the council’s economic ambitions into all its departments and creating opportunities for everyone to benefit.

He said: “As well as creating jobs, we must make sure that all our residents, young and old, can benefit from the opportunities that are created, such as good transport and digital connectivity and the right skills and training to access work in exciting new and emerging employment sectors.

“The scale and diversity of Lancashire means there are different challenges and opportunities in different places, that’s why the whole levelling up agenda is so important.

“It’s vital we link in our strategic and economic plans with all our departments, such as health and adult social care and create the conditions to lever private sector investment. 

“Lancashire’s beautiful countryside offers residents a unique quality of life and provides untapped potential as we transition to net zero and tackle the negative impacts of climate change.

“It’s so much more than just an economic development job – that’s why I am so excited to help make a lasting positive impact on Lancashire.”

Angie Ridgwell, chief executive of Lancashire County Council, said: “I am really pleased to welcome Phil to our corporate management team. Phil has already contributed significantly to Lancashire since joining the council in 2019.

“The many positive partnerships he has foster, together with his strategic vision will continue to be a real asset for us as he steps up into his new role.”

Council leader Phillippa Williamson said: “We believe Phil’s values and passion for collaboration, with people and communities at the centre of everything we do, reflect the county council’s, and will stand us in good stead as we try to build a better future for all.”

Enjoyed this? Read more from Ged Henderson

Latest news

1

East Lancashire Learning Group named UK digital transformation leader in CIO 100 Awards Andrew Dewhurst with the award win

East Lancashire Learning Group named UK digital transformation leader in CIO 100 Awards

09 Oct 2025

2

PHX Training appoints new business leader in Blackpool Jason Davenport PHX Training

PHX Training appoints new business leader in Blackpool

09 Oct 2025

3

Velocity seals Airbus extension worth up to $54m Velocity Composites Has Announced Its Entry Into The Us Market

Velocity seals Airbus extension worth up to $54m

08 Oct 2025

4

First speakers confirmed for Lancashire Business Day Dave Walker with Richard Slater at Lancashire Business Day

First speakers confirmed for Lancashire Business Day

08 Oct 2025

5

Hemmings steps down as PNE chairman as hunt begins for new investors Craig Hemmings

Hemmings steps down as PNE chairman as hunt begins for new investors

08 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Empowering franchise growth in the North West
TFA Event - Empowering Franchise Growth.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
09 Oct 2025 - 09 Oct 2025

Empowering franchise growth in the North West

Forbes Solicitors Sceptre Way Walton Summit Centre , Preston, PR5 6AW

08:00 - 10:00

Empowering Franchise Growth in the North West
Empowering Franchise Growth in the North West event
LBV Hub Seminars
09 Oct 2025 - 09 Oct 2025

Empowering Franchise Growth in the North West

Forbes Solicitors, Sceptre Way, Walton Summit Centre, PR5 6AW, PR6 6AW

08:00 - 10:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th
Ai 10.10.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
10 Oct 2025 - 10 Oct 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West

Strathmore Hotel, Morecambe, LA4 5AP

08:00 - 10:00

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials
EventBrite NORi - 15th Oct 2025 Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials

Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Teams, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

October Freelancer Meet-Up
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

October Freelancer Meet-Up

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine
LBV Advert_Autumn Reset 1200 x 630px.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine

The Artistry House , Preston , PR1 3JJ

17:30 - 19:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (26).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin