Union boost for new conference centre

By Kerry

15 Jun 2017

Blackpool’s plans to create a new state-of-the-art conference centre have received a major boost with the announcement that one of the UK’s biggest union conferences will be held there once it opens.

The GMB has revealed it will stage its annual congress in the centre in June 2020, bringing more than 1,000 delegates to the resort over five days.

And the announcement has been heralded as a sign of confidence in Blackpool and its new conference venue.

It is the first major national conference to sign up for the new centre, which is to be built next to the Winter Gardens and is set to open its doors in May 2019.

The union, which has more than 600,000 across the UK and Europe, has also revealed that it plans to use the proposed new hotel at The Sands Venue on Central Promenade as its conference base. The hotel is set to open for business in autumn 2018.

Tim Roache, GMB general secretary, said: "We’re absolutely delighted to be back in Blackpool in 2020 and looking forward to trying out the impressive new facilities.

“The GMB has spent many happy times in Blackpool over the years, so we're really looking forward to bringing our congress to the Fylde Coast once again.

“Around 1,000 delegates, visitors, exhibitors and staff - as well as the nation's press and TV - will be able to enjoy Blackpool's wonderful hospitality during our five day event."

Cllr Simon Blackburn, leader of Blackpool Council said: “This is fantastic news for Blackpool, we are delighted that the GMB have chosen to host their annual congress in the resort, and I look forward to welcoming them here.

“The trade union movement has been a great supporter of Blackpool over decades, and I'm sure this will be the first of many union conferences heading our way.

“This demonstrates the real and growing confidence in the Blackpool offer and demonstrates that what we are doing here is what organisers are looking for. Michael Williams, managing director at the Winter Gardens, added: “GMB’s confidence in the resort is testimony to the on-going investment not only in the Winter Gardens but also across the resort.”

Enjoyed this? Read more from Kerry

Latest news

1

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards Ben Garland and Julia Lorente

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards

24 Jul 2025

2

Work is set to start on Multiversity project Multiversity Blackpool

Work is set to start on Multiversity project

24 Jul 2025

3

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft Typhoon production Warton

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft

23 Jul 2025

4

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C EDF Assystem

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C

22 Jul 2025

5

Chorley’s PetProov secures six-figure deal from angel investors to drive growth Garry Clarke Co Founder Of PetProov James Butcher Fhunded Angel Investor

Chorley’s PetProov secures six-figure deal from angel investors to drive growth

22 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech
July PTC banner long updated.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin