First Lancashire Business Day panellists confirmed

An entrepreneur who built a multimillion-pound business from his back bedroom, a CEO who has worked in some of the high street’s most iconic names, and a director from Lancashire’s largest employer will join in a lively debate at the second ever Lancashire Business Day.

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The celebration of all things commerce in the county, which takes place on November 27 at Ewood Park in Blackburn, will feature a panel discussion about Lancashire’s strengths and opportunities.

Chaired by Lancashire Business View publisher Richard Slater, the panel will include Antony Chesworth, who founded EKM at 22 which now serves more than 45,000 ecommerce businesses; Sara Prowse, the current chief executive of Skelmersdale’s Hotter Shoes and who has held roles within River Island, Debenhams and more; and Glyn Jones, who plays a pivotal role in the production of F-35 Lightning II as development director at BAE Systems.

More panellists will be confirmed closer to the event, and they will all be joined on the day by Financial Times journalist and Northern Powerhouse expert Andy Bounds, and tourism superstar award winner Simon Entwistle, who will both give keynote talks.

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Speakers and panellists will both talk on the day’s theme: “If you can buy it in Lancashire, buy it in Lancashire” - aiming to drive to get the county’s businesses and public sector organisations to buy local.

The organisers of the event have stayed true to this philosophy, engaging Lisa Goodwin-Allen, executive chef at Michelin-starred Lancashire restaurant Northcote, to deliver delicious food. The charity partner is the Prince’s Trust, which supports young people across the county and beyond to improve their personal and career prospects.

Magazine publisher and event organiser Richard Slater said: “The calibre of panellists confirmed for this event so far shows the strength and versatility of trade in Lancashire.

“Antony is a self-made success story, Sara sits in the hotseat at a £100m operation, and Glyn holds a senior rank in a major global player in the defence sector.

"And we have more guest panellists that we hope to announce shortly.

“It will be fascinating to hear the thoughts of the panel, and our two guest speakers. Lancashire Business Day 2018 promises to be a fantastic spectacle of networking, insight and a celebration of the red rose county. I urge everyone to book their tickets before they’re all sold!”

The first ever Lancashire Business Day took place in 2017 and saw organisations from every corner of the county come together to network, share their stories and enjoy all that is Lancashire with specially themed food and entertainment. Individual tickets and table bookings for this year’s event are now available to buy here. Sponsorship packages are also available for organisations looking to raise the profile throughout Lancashire.