Hotspots event provides platform for #PendlePower

Delegates were treated to a Question Time-style panel event after an introduction from Pendle Council’s strategic director Dean Langton.

“In terms of skills we have our Pendle Business Class programme which is working with education providers and schools to create aspirations – we’re educating pupils on what career opportunities are right here on their doorstep.

“We wish to partner with businesses in the borough – to work together with public services to help Pendle prosper.”

He added: “To drive our aspirations we have a dedicated business support team within the council that can advise on grants, property and business support.

He said: “Pendle Hotspots focussed on opportunities for businesses currently in Pendle and those planning to relocate.

“The event offered a chance for businesses, advisers, public sector colleagues and those in the know to share their thoughts on the strengths, challenges and opportunities facing the Pendle business community.

Guest panellists at the event were: Amanda Melton, principal at Nelson and Colne College; Dennis Mendoros, founder of Euravia and chairman of Pendle Vision; Simon Norton, digital marketing manager at cottages.com; Daniel Howarth, head of acquisition marketing at Science In Sport; and Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council.

Dennis Mendoros

We need to take advantage of our location and extend our links out of Lancashire to the whole of the north of England to create a second economy that businesses can tap into - an extension of the M65 would offer tremendous advantages."

"There is a sense of belonging here and it is felt across all industries. The support for business from the council is fantastic and as a business and college we feel we can make a real difference.

Simon Norton

Our main challenge is in bringing in digital skills - 85 per cent of our sales are from online activity. What we need are bright, young, enthusiastic staff. We offer market-beating packages, but there are connectivity issues for commuters travelling long distances."

"Pendle is a hidden gem in northern England and we have a real sense of identity. There is lots of investment going in to the borough to ensure it is a good place to live and work. The challenge is to harness what we have and encourage others to invest here.

Daniel Howarth