Lancashire Business View backs return of innovation festival

Lancashire Innovation Festival will consist of a series of talks, seminars, discussions and networking opportunities taking place at a variety of locations between October 4 and 8.

The programme has been developed in partnership with Lancashire LEP Innovation Board and will showcase the best of the county’s innovative thinking and demonstrate how local skills and expertise can be applied to businesses to push them into new areas and inspire growth.

The festival will focus on five key themes, which will be centred around five locations. They are: digital (at Fraser House in Lancaster), health (at Edge Hill University), social innovation (at Blackburn Youth Zone), manufacturing (at AMRC in Samlesbury) and low carbon (Blackpool and The Fylde College’s Energy HQ).

In addition to the official events, the organisers are also interested in hearing from innovators who would like to host their own fringe events which can be promoted alongside the core calendar.

All events will also be streamed online for those unable to attend in person. As a media partner, Lancashire Business View will provide extensive coverage of the festival in its bi-monthly magazine, online via the website and weekly email newsletter, and through its social media channels.

Richard Slater, publisher of Lancashire Business View, said: “It’s been a challenging time for the county as a whole and it will be innovative thinking that underpins our recovery over the coming months and years.

“The red rose county is home to a wealth of innovative and forward-thinking individuals and organisations and this festival will be a fantastic way of pairing them with businesses, enabling them to work together on some very exciting projects.

“We highly recommend this programme of events for organisations across all sectors and are looking forward to hearing about the success stories that this festival is sure to help create.”

Maya Ellis, lead of innovation and digital at Lancashire County Council, said: “We are looking forward to building on the success of last year's event and inspiring even more businesses

to take part and embrace innovation and the opportunities it brings.

“The LEP’s Innovation Board is committed to showcasing all the county's wonderful innovation activity in one week and we're keen to hear from anyone who would like to contribute."

Further details of the festival can be found on the official LinkedIn, Twitter and website where you can register now to receive updates as more information is announced.