Lancashire Growth Plan to be launched at Convention of the North

The event brings together business, community, academic, and political leaders to discuss how to take advantage of the many opportunities up for grabs for the North of England.

Senior Government and Opposition figures will also take to the stage with key note speakers also including Greg Jackson CBE – founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, Katie Gallagher OBE – Chair of the UK Tech Cluster Group, Jude Kelly CBE - Chair of UK One Creative North, and Craig Boothby – Managing Director at Springfields Fuels Ltd.

The event is of particular importance to Lancashire as it will be used as the platform to launch the consultation into the county's growth plan.

The plan will enable the county to restate its growth priorities following the launch of the Lancashire Combined County Authority earlier this month.

It will show how the area will use its core grant from government to support projects which should be resourced now.

Crucially the creation of the plan has the backing of the county's Business Board, an independent group of business experts from across Lancashire whose aim is to deliver a more prosperous Lancashire.

The document is set to be one of the first Growth Plans to be consulted on in the country, showing how Lancashire understands the need to locally and nationally super-charge its growth.

Cllr Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "Lancashire is a place of scale and economic significance. 

"Our economy is worth £40billion, the second largest economy in the North West, with almost 55,000 companies and a population of 1.5 million population.

"We're showcasing just what Lancashire has on offer at the Convention of the North and underlining our importance as a key strategic player in the North as well as the UK.

"Launching the consultation into the Growth Plan is great timing as we know leaders from all avenues of business, community, academia and politics will be in attendance."

Cllr Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: “Lancashire has a strong tradition of innovation, industry, and resilience. 

“The Convention of the North is an opportunity to showcase our strengths and ensure we are well placed to seize the opportunities ahead. 

“By launching the consultation into our Growth Plan at this event, we’re demonstrating our commitment to driving forward economic prosperity across the county, with Blackburn with Darwen playing a key role in Lancashire’s future growth and success.

“With a new Growth Plan, Lancashire is serious and committed to lasting economic change. 

“We will compete more effectively for jobs and see investment in new growth sectors.

“By working with our business leaders, we will boost productivity, create prosperous places, and ensure residents and businesses benefit from new opportunities over the coming years.”

Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We are proud to be hosting the convention of the North here in Lancashire and It is perfect timing to be able to launch our Growth Plan for consultation.

 “Lancashire’s economy is not to be underestimated. We are strong, skilled, innovative and resilient people and now is the time to harness those skills and the opportunity that faces us in Lancashire to catapult our growth even further.

“Blackpool alone contributes a significant amount to Lancashire’s overall economy. I am looking forward to speaking to business leaders and others about our future plans for growth and how they will benefit not only the communities here in Blackpool and across Lancashire but also the wider national economic picture.”

Mo Isap, chairman of Lancashire’s Business Board, said: “Lancashire has all the ingredients for economic success - an enterprising business community, strong partnerships, and ambitious plans for growth. 

“The consultation on the Growth Plan is a crucial step in setting the direction for our county’s future. 

“As business leaders, we are committed to ensuring this plan drives real change, attracts investment, and creates opportunities that will benefit businesses, communities, and residents across Lancashire.”

Hosted by Lancashire County Council, the Convention of the North will be held at County Hall, Preston and the University of Central Lancashire on February 27 and 28.

The event is invite only and registration opened in January.

For more information visit: Convention of the North