Meeting the new Lancashire business board

As efforts continued to get Lancashire’s devolution deal over the line, the county’s new Business Board was unveiled.

The independent board is one of a number being set up across the country following government guidance on the need to include private sector and employer views in local economic strategies.

It was heralded by political leaders from the three Lancashire councils behind the drive to get deputy prime minister Angela Rayner to sign
off on the current devolution proposals.

In a statement they said the board would work closely with the councils, adding: “Board members will help the councils build on existing work to deliver long term economic growth in the county by using their expert knowledge of the area.”

One of the first actions decided by members at their first meeting was to write to the deputy PM declaring their support for the deal, which
would see the creation of a combined authority for the county.

Lancashire County Council leader Phillippa Williamson said: “A vibrant business community which helps inform local authorities and government is absolutely vital in ensuring our county's economy continues to grow and flourish.

“Members of the board will be able to draw on their own experiences to inform, stimulate and scrutinise the delivery of local policies intended
to grow the economy.”

Speaking after the first meeting, board member Steve Williams, managing director of Blackpool based Force Technology, said he believed it had an important advisory role to play in helping shape the county’s economic strategy.

He added that three was a recognition amongst members that it had to be more than a “talking shop”

Here is the team: 

Professor Graham Baldwin,
Vice-chancellor, University of Central Lancashire
Prof Baldwin has held a number of senior roles at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) since joining in 2001. He holds wide-ranging influence in both Lancashire and the skills sector.

Miranda Barker,
Chief executive, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce
Miranda’s career in business support was preceded by a successful turn as an entrepreneur. She was named chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce in 2017.

John Chesworth,
Executive chairman, Harrison Drury
John joined Harrison Drury in 2007 and was named managing partner the same year. He is also chair of Preston Partnership, a membership
organisation aimed at driving forward the city’s growth and potential.

Jane Cole,
Managing director, Blackpool Transport Service
Following a near two-decade career with Virgin Trains, Jane was appointed as the managing director of Blackpool Transport Service. The company employs more than 600 people.

Tim Conlon, 
Chief executive, Terberg Environmental
Tim is chief executive of refuse vehicle and heavy truck specialist Terberg Environmental, a €700m global enterprise employing more than 2,000 people across 13 countries. He has played a pivotal
role in driving the company’s growth.

Dave Holmes,
Managing director, BAE Systems FalconWorks
Dave has over 40 years’ experience in aerospace engineering, playing a pivotal role in advancing UK manufacturing and military aviation technology. Today he leads BAE Systems’ new centre for advanced and agile research and technology development.

Jeremy Hartley
Managing director,
Eric Wright Group Jeremy initially qualified as a chartered accountant, holding senior roles at PwC, before moving into the construction sector
with Eric Wright in 2007. He was named group managing director in 2011. The group employs more than 800 people.

Zuber Issa
Co-founder, EG Group
With his brother Mohsin, Zuber was the co-founder of the Blackburn-based EG Group, a multinational convenience retail and food and drink outlet operation. Earlier this year, he stepped down as co-CEO, while acquiring its petrol forecourt portfolio. He also divested his 22.5 per cent share in supermarket chain Asda.

Mo Isap
Founder, IN4 Group
Mo, from Blackburn, is the founder of the IN4 Group, a technology company designed to give every individual access to high quality skills training. In 2023, IN4 delivered more than £14m of social value.

Elizabeth Moss
Chief executive, Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust
Over more than two decades, Liz has held senior roles in the tourism sector. She is currently chief executive of the charity which operates Showtown, a new museum in Blackpool celebrating its history of showbusiness, illuminations and entertainers

Babs Murphy 
Chief executive, North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce
Babs has served as the chief executive of the Preston-headquartered chamber for more than 30 years. The organisation currently represents
more than 1,600 businesses in the county and hosts the annual BIBAs business awards.

Mark Rawstron
Prior to his retirement in 2016, Mark had been the head of commercial property agent GVA’s Manchester office and was its main UK board director. He has more than 30 years of experience as a commercial property advisor.

Kate Shane
Former regional Director, Merlin Entertainments Group
After 13 years with Merlin Entertainments, it was reported in August that Kate, one of the most influential figures in its tourism sector,
was joining Blackpool Council as managing director of its leisure portfolio. She also chairs the Blackpool Tourism BID.

Steve Williams
Managing director, Force Technology
Steve is the co-founder of Force Technology, the Blackpool based company he launched with his business partner in 2015 to specialise
in precision compression springs, principally for high risk and critical quality applications.

Rachel Westray
Site communications partner, Westinghouse Electric Company
Rachel has worked in public relations, public affairs, events and internal communications for more than a decade. She currently represents
Westinghouse, which operates the Springfields nuclear fuel production facility at Salwick.

Tim Webber
Chairman, Barnfield

Tim is chairman and managing director of Barnfield Construction, the Pendle-based contractor, developer and property investor. The company employs more than 250 people, operates on more than 30 sites nationwide and has a turnover of £70m.

Lauren Zawadski
Director, Deco Publique
Lauren is a public events specialist and co-director of Deco Publique, based in Morecambe. She helped produce the most recent Preston Guild festivities and is founder and director of the award-winning National Festival of Making in Blackburn.