Lancashire brings £20bn of investment opportunity to UKREiiF

Lancashire pitched itself as a £20bn investment opportunity at the heart of the country’s growth agenda at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiif) 2026.

Representatives from Lancashire Combined County Authority joined political leaders, developers, investors and universities at UKREiiF to talk about investment and long-term growth.

Lancashire’s presence at the forum focused on sectors including defence, energy, advanced engineering and digital technology, with the county positioning itself as a key contributor to the UK’s industrial strategy.

The county is home to one of the world’s largest aerospace clusters, nationally significant nuclear capability and a manufacturing economy described as central to the UK’s industrial future.

Stephen Atkinson, chair of the Lancashire Combined County Authority, said the county’s proposition combines industrial heritage with future ambition.

“Lancashire has always been a place that makes things, builds things and powers growth,” he said. “The industries driving the UK economy over the next decade are already here in Lancashire, from aerospace and defence to nuclear, cyber, AI and advanced manufacturing.

“What makes Lancashire different is the combination of industrial heritage, innovation and ambition. We have world-class businesses, nationally important infrastructure and real opportunities ready for investment.

“These are not distant plans. They are projects and partnerships already taking shape across Lancashire, backed by people and businesses with a track record of delivering at scale.”

A number of strategic sites were showcased during the forum, including Samlesbury Enterprise Zone, Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone and Silicon Sands, Preston Station Quarter, Blackburn Star Square and Blackburn’s Innovation Quarter.

Alongside its industrial strengths, Lancashire also discussed its quality of place, talent and connectivity as key factors in attracting long-term investment into the county.