Digital community flourishes at Chorley's Strawberry Fields Hub

A new initiative aimed at fostering collaboration among digital businesses has launched at Chorley's Strawberry Fields Digital Hub, marking an important step in strengthening Lancashire's growing tech ecosystem.

The inaugural 'Strawbs Coffee Club', hosted by digital agency Fertile Frog, brought together entrepreneurs and professionals from across the hub for an interactive session focused on knowledge sharing and community building.

The event combined practical marketing insights with collaborative problem-solving, setting the foundation for future peer-to-peer support within the facility.

Helen Crowther, Tech Community Coordinator at Northern Reach, who spearheaded the initiative in partnership with Innovate Lancashire said: "The vision is to create a vibrant community where businesses can learn from each other and grow together.

"Today's session demonstrated the wealth of expertise we have under one roof and the appetite for collaboration."

The event, which took place in the hub, saw attendees sharing their essential digital tools and tackling common marketing challenges through group discussion.

A key outcome was the creation of an internal business directory to facilitate referrals and future collaborations among tenants.

The Strawberry Fields Digital Hub, a flagship development by Chorley Council, continues to evolve as a cornerstone of the region's digital infrastructure.

Working alongside partners including Northern Reach, Barclays Eagle Labs, and with support from UK Government initiatives, the hub is fostering a new generation of digital innovation in Lancashire.

Darren Hayward, managing director of Fertile Frog, who facilitated the session said: "What makes Strawberry Fields unique is not just the facilities, but the community we're building.

"By bringing together diverse digital expertise under one roof, we're creating an environment where innovation can thrive through collaboration."

The Coffee Club is set to become a regular fixture at the hub, with future sessions planned to address various aspects of digital business growth and innovation.

This initiative aligns with broader efforts to establish Chorley as a key player in the North West's digital economy.

For digital businesses interested in joining the Strawberry Fields community or participating in future events, contact Helen Crowther at [email protected]