New strategic partnership will start big conversations

Lancashire Business View and the University of Central Lancashire have entered into a strategic partnership that is set to open up important new conversations across the county.

The new way of working between the independent media company and the top-rated university, which has campuses in Preston and Burnley, aims to bring the worlds of business and academia closer together.

It is the first partnership agreement of its kind introduced by Lancashire Business View and will create further opportunities for the University to meaningfully engage with the county’s business community.

Insight and contributions from its wide range of world-leading experts will help bolster Lancashire Business View’s award-winning news, features and advice service, delivered in print and online.

The partnership will also further strengthen the company’s comprehensive programme of events, including the acclaimed Red Rose Awards, Lancashire Business Day, the Lancashire Festival of Business and its regular networking gatherings and conference programme.

The University, which is ranked in the top seven per cent of universities worldwide, has been a long-term supporter of Lancashire Business View, which acts as an invaluable resource for news, advice and opinion for the county.

The new way of working will take its relationship with the media company to a different level.

Stephen Bolton, managing director of Lancashire Business View, believes the strategic partnership will deliver major benefits to both organisations, and the county’s business community.

He said: “It’s the first agreement of this kind that we have made and to do it with an organisation of this stature shows the level of our ambition.

“The University has a wealth of resources, in terms of research, academics, a physical presence and direct communication with leading businesses and entrepreneurs.

“We’re looking forward to being able to tap into that to make our products - and our offer to the Lancashire business community - so much stronger.

“And in return we’re delighted to be able to assist the University. Everything we do here is about supporting the local economy and this partnership will help elevate the already fantastic work that this university undertakes. Together, this is how we do business.”

Russ Millhouse, head of external and public affairs at the University of Central Lancashire, said: “Our involvement with Lancashire Business View has been a solid investment for the way that it opens up two-way conversation right across the county.

“By supporting the magazine’s features, we are able to take a leading role in important conversations, and it gives our academics a platform to talk about the vital work they are undertaking within our university.

“Through the magazine’s events, we are able to meet with a diverse range of organisations - some that we know about, others that surprise us out of left-field - which gives us valuable first-hand accounts of the issues affecting businesses today and helps shape the services we offer.”