Networking works for Downtown

Downtown Lancashire in Business, the lobbying and business networking group, has announced record sales for January.

Downtown recruited more than 20 new member companies last month and also secured sponsorship deals with Champion Accountants, Marsden Rawsthorn solicitors, Preston College and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

In addition the organisation will be working in partnership with West Lancashire Borough Council to establish an economy forum in the district this year.

Downtown chief executive Frank McKenna said: “We have had a flying start to the new year. I am confident that Downtown’s profile and activity will continue to grow in 2013, and we intend to offer the private sector a real opportunity to get involved in the discussions and debates about how we can continue to drive Lancashire’s economy forward during these challenging times.

“We have an exciting events programme in place, with a major new project planned, and some leading entrepreneurs and decision makers due to speak to our members, starting with government minister Esther McVey in Skelmersdale this month, and Lord Adonis at Stanley House, Mellor, in March.

“Our expansion across the county has offered Downtown members an extended network to connect with, and I am really looking forward to shaping a business-friendly agenda that will, hopefully, begin to see the county maximise the fantastic potential it has.” Downtown has been a long time advocate for the demolition of the Preston bus station, and has called for better co-operation between local authorities across Lancashire to more effectively market and develop the county. Mr McKenna was appointed to the private sector advisory board of the Local Enterprise Partnership last year, and the Downtown brand is also established in Liverpool, Manchester and, most recently, Leeds.