Groundswell Innovation bolsters Preston’s bid for £25m

By Groundswell Innovation

02 Oct 2020

When lockdown came into force earlier this year, Lancashire-based Groundswell Innovation found itself in a strong position, as much of its work could be switched to the virtual realm. Managing Director Jane Dalton explains how its key strength has been the business’s agile approach to project execution. In fact, by adapting to a rapidly evolving environment, they have grown the business during the last few months.

“Just before lockdown, we had several projects scheduled with innovation workshops and face-to-face discussions. We quickly made the most of available technology and were able to switch these to virtual channels. It was really important for our clients to keep a sense of momentum.  Many businesses on our Two Zero : Female cohort for example, found new opportunities to grow in lockdown from ideas spawned during virtual sessions. 

“Other projects had hard deadlines, one of which was the work that we did with Preston Council to support their Towns Fund bid on 31st July 2020. The Towns Fund is a new scheme established by the Government to help develop towns and cities. Preston is one of just 100 places eligible to bid for up to £25 million worth of funding to improve the economy, develop the city and attract jobs and long-term investment.

“We were able to build on insight gained during the #WhatsYourPreston listening project to inform strategy and to develop a stakeholder engagement and communication plan for this vitally important project. Preston was able to demonstrate excellent levels of engagement using multiple channels in the bid, despite lockdown preventing any face-to-face meetings.

“We worked closely with Preston Partnership and Preston City Council teams.  As always we were aiming for quality of engagement and cross-sector communication here – getting to grips with what was really important to people and what Preston residents were most proud of.  With so many different perspectives – from business owners to the vibrant artist community – it was really important to us to find common ground and build out from that.  We worked with a local artist to create bespoke sketches for each of the key themes, creating a strong visual connection with the bid – all part of making sure that this bid was distinctive and distinctively Preston. At completion, and even now, a Google search for ‘Towns Fund’ brings Preston Council website on the first page of results. We now await the response back from Government to see what the next steps are for Preston.

“In fact, our contribution to the bid submission has been widely recognised, and we are delighted to be working with Crewe on their Towns Fund submission in the coming weeks,” concludes Jane.

IMAGES

Chris Dorning, The Cunning Craftsmanwww.thecunningcraftsman.co.uk

ABOUT

Groundswell Innovation help people get the right ideas to market, faster and fitter for purpose - new products and services that solve customer problems, profitably. Breaking out in to new territory means diverting energy away from core business. As you take the step to expand, Groundswell Innovation bring that extra spark - informed energy that boosts growth by listening intently to what your customers need.

CONTACT

All enquires Jane Dalton, [email protected], tel +44 (0)7809 436 072.

Latest news

1

University recognises adidas curator Gary Aspden

University recognises adidas curator

11 Jul 2025

2

Investment drives growth plan at CoolKit Coolkit Vans

Investment drives growth plan at CoolKit

11 Jul 2025

3

Story Homes submits plans for 140 new homes in Longton Story Homes plans

Story Homes submits plans for 140 new homes in Longton

11 Jul 2025

4

University of Lancashire climbs 14 places in student positivity survey Happy students at ULAN

University of Lancashire climbs 14 places in student positivity survey

10 Jul 2025

5

Forbes Solicitors achieves strong growth and promotes 15 Forbes Solicitors promotions

Forbes Solicitors achieves strong growth and promotes 15

10 Jul 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
LBV123 July/August Launch Event
Lancashire Business View magazine launch
Networking
16 Jul 2025

LBV123 July/August Launch Event

Burnley College University Courses Building, Burnley, BB12 0AN

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

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

Shaping Preston's future by remembering its past
1750160034867.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Jul 2025 - 16 Jul 2025

Shaping Preston's future by remembering its past

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:30

Chamber Summer BBQ
LBV Hub Social
17 Jul 2025 - 17 Jul 2025

Chamber Summer BBQ

The Borough, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

17:30 - 20:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Lancashire Business Day 2025
241122lbvlancashiredaylhp0647web
Networking
27 Nov 2025

Lancashire Business Day 2025

Burnley FC , Burnley, BB10 4BX

12:00 - 17:00

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 LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin