Paul Heathcote MBE steps down as Marketing Lancashire chairman

Renowned restaurateur and proud Lancastrian Paul Heathcote MBE, is stepping down from his role as chairman after three years at the helm of Lancashire’s place marketing organisation, Marketing Lancashire.

Marketing Lancashire was created in 2012 with considerable investment from Lancashire County Council, replacing the former Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board and Paul Heathcote was the company’s first Chairman, announced on 9 May 2012.

Over the last three years Paul has worked with the board of directors to support Ruth and her team at Marketing Lancashire, during which time he has seen visitor numbers to Lancashire reach current levels of 63 million a year, an increase of three million visitors, and the visitor economy pump an additional £250m into the Lancashire economy; with the sector now recognised by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) as one of the county’s most significant areas of growth.

"I have always been a vocal supporter of Lancashire and I will continue to be an advocate for this wonderful county.”

Ruth Connor, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, said: “Paul has presided over one of the most important periods in the development of Marketing Lancashire and has helped deliver tremendous results whilst building the foundation for both the organisation and also brand ‘Lancashire’ to prosper.

“We wish Paul continuing success with his business ventures and thank him for being such a passionate ambassador for Lancashire.”