Happy Creative’s partnership with Blackpool Council extended to March 2026

Blackpool-based Happy Creative have announced a 12-month extension to their partnership with Blackpool Council, continuing their strategic role until March 2026 as part of the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).

Happy will remain the lead marketing and events partner for the Council’s Business Growth Team, to support their three key initiatives: the Blackpool Growth Business Academy, the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy and the Blackpool Unlimited portal. The partnership will see the continuation of tailored marketing plans and strategies, event management, and building of the brand.

Angela Kershaw, Blackpool Council's head of business growth, said: “The marketing and branding have been outstanding, distinct and identifiable – creating a strong foundation that underpinned the success of the initiative. We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with Happy Creative and the Academies as part of this next phase of funding."

Throughout the first round of SPF funding, the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy helped businesses save enough carbon to power the entire illuminations for four years. Meanwhile, the Blackpool Growth Business Academy helped almost 500 businesses to start, grow or scale, which led to creating more jobs in the town.

Happy Creative will continue to provide a range of support, from developing strategic marketing plans to social media support, content creation, developing videos, email marketing, bespoke asset development and website updates.

Additionally Happy are organising and planning an exclusive event on Wednesday 18th June at Blackpool Football Club. The event will see Brad Waldron, the globally recognised speaker, who has worked with global brands including Microsoft, L’Oréal, Sony, Warner Bros, and Diageo, deliver his bespoke Midnight Oil keynote. The event will provide business leaders and owners with invaluable insights into a scaling business, as well as overcoming the challenges of rapid expansion.

In addition to business-focused support, Happy Creative has delivered social value through charitable contributions to local organisations such as Blackpool Foodbank, the Blackpool Samaritans’ ‘Pay for a Day’ campaign, and the Blackpool Boathouse Youth.

Karen Lambert, founder of Happy Creative, said: “We are honoured to be continuing our partnership with the Business Growth Team and the Academies. Their expertise and support have been transformational for many Blackpool based businesses and we’ve particularly enjoyed the strength of our collaboration. We are genuinely looking forward to what the next 12 months will bring.”