Company Spotlight: Blackburn College

Just weeks before the release of Lancashire Business View’s 100th issue, we’re delighted to look back at our first ever issue from March 2005 and speak with some of the advertisers that have been with us along the journey.

Blackburn College, advertiser since the first issue, supports businesses to develop their current and future workforce, providing Lancashire’s next generation of talent.

Claire Shore, senior business development manager of Blackburn College shares her experience working with Lancashire Business View over the years.

LBV: How did your business first get involved with Lancashire Business View magazine?

CS: We started advertising with Lancashire Business View as a route to promote our professional suite of commercial courses and the Saturn Centre - our trades training centre, both of which are still a key part of our services for business.

LBV: What changes have you seen in the Lancashire business community since being involved with Lancashire Business View when it started in 2005?

CS: From a business perspective, the community has diversified and whilst traditional sectors have continued to thrive, new businesses have enhanced the Lancashire landscape. As a community, we’ve become much stronger at collaborating and understanding the power of working together to achieve joint goals – of course, some credit for that must go to Richard’s “If you can buy it in Lancashire” mantra – it’s a hard one to ignore!

LBV: How has your business changed in this time?

CS: Our links with the business community have significantly increased as the demand for apprenticeships continues to grow. Technology has played a large part in changing what we teach and how we teach it, so that we are truly preparing the future workforce for the skills they’ll need.

LBV: Do you feel Lancashire Business View benefits Lancashire? And if so, how?

CS: Lancashire Business View provides an important platform for Lancashire businesses to keep informed of the opportunities and challenges facing the county, their sectors, and their businesses.

From an education sector perspective, Lancashire Business View has consistently worked with colleges and training providers to make sure that their readers have the most up to date information on apprenticeships and training opportunities and so can take advantage of incentives, grants and projects to support their business and help strengthen Lancashire’s skills.

LBV: How do you feel that your involvement with Lancashire Business View has benefited your business?

CS: Our involvement with Lancashire Business View has helped us to understand and connect with businesses from across the county, growing our apprenticeships, commercial and professional training. Importantly, the business connections that we’ve made have provided opportunities for our students to learn new skills through work placements and masterclasses. During the pandemic, our Business View connections have provided webinars and virtual experience opportunities that have enhanced our students’ learning and enabled them to connect with employers at a time when they couldn’t meet in person.

LBV: Do you have any words of advice for businesses who may be looking to get involved with Lancashire Business View in the future?

CS: Give the team at Lancashire Business View a call – they are a talented, well connected, and friendly team who will take time to understand your business and be focused on helping you achieve your goals

Since the magazine launched in 2005, it has steadily grown and become a trusted source of news and advice for Lancashire’s business community.

Businesses interested in advertising in the 100th issue of Lancashire Business View, with the opportunity to share your business with our 50,000 readers, can get in touch with commercial director, Stephen Bolton on [email protected] or 07966 090175.

For more details, visit https://www.lancashirebusinessview.co.uk/the-magazine/forward-features