LEP conference outlines positive future for county

More than 150 delegates attended the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership's (LEP) annual conference to hear about exciting opportunities and game-changing projects in the county's short, medium and long-term future.

Sarah Kemp, chief executive officer of the LEP, said: "Whilst Covid-19 was naturally very challenging for businesses in Lancashire, and indeed the rest of the country, many of our businesses have demonstrated incredible resilience and entrepreneurial flair during these unprecedented times.

"Indeed, three years' worth of innovation happened within just three months of the pandemic, which is phenomenal and shows the fighting spirit which is prevalent in the county and which will enable us to achieve our growth ambitions.

"The LEP's conference was a celebration of what can be accomplished during adversity and by working in partnership, and provided the opportunity to not only reflect on what has been achieved during the past 18 months, but also to highlight the considerable opportunities for economic growth which are emerging for the county and from which our businesses and residents can benefit."

Debbie Francis, chair of the LEP, added: "The aim of the conference was to generate excitement and positivity as to what can be achieved by taking a collaborative and partnership approach to increasing economic prosperity.

"Lancashire has a wealth of capabilities and expertise and we need to ensure our businesses and residents are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to capitalise on opportunities such as the Net Zero agenda, as well as transformational projects such as Eden North and it was brilliant that the chief executive of Eden International, David Harland, was able to attend the conference to outline the vision for the project.

"These truly are exciting times for Lancashire, which as a county has so much to offer. Whilst we have made good progress over the last ten years, and the effects of the pandemic are still very much prevalent, especially in sectors such as tourism and hospitality, Lancashire continues to punch below its weight. But we are on the cusp of change."

• For further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.