East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce has once again hosted a widely successful Chamber Assembly, which proved to be a hive of hot topics amongst Lancashire’s leaders.
Gathering a diverse array of visionary business leaders from local small and medium-sized enterprises, council representatives, and public sector organisations, the event was held at the Chamber’s headquarters on Tuesday 25th July 2023, and hosted by Chamber CEO, Miranda Barker OBE.
The Assembly, held 3 times a year, serves as a central platform for igniting progressive discussions to bolster the region’s economic growth and development.
Session 1 – Council Leaders Discuss A Combined Authority For Lancashire
First up, guests heard from Simon Lawrence, Director of Growth and Regeneration at Lancashire County Council, and Denise Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, who are both leading the charge in driving growth for Lancashire through the creation of the Lancashire Combined Authority.
They discussed the importance of a level 2 devolution deal for Lancashire, the funding needed, and putting together a governance structure to support its progress – involving all 15 local authorities to influence and make strategic decisions.
Other key touchpoints included:
Enhancing strategic economic leadership | The opportunity for a National Cyber Force HQ | Growing the low carbon technology sector | Increasing Lancashire’s economic activity | Improving housing quality in the county
But what happens next?
Deal 1 will be finalised in late Autumn 2023, establishing a preliminary Combined Authority in shadow form. Public consultations will then commence, including key engagement from business sectors. The Secretary of State is then expected to progress the parliamentary process, with a Lancashire Combined Authority to be established in Autumn 2024.
Next up, Geoff Mason, Project Lead for the Lancashire Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), covered the progress made so far and shared key information from conducted surveys, focus groups and round tables with over 50 businesses, and what’s in store for the next stages of the plan to address skills shortages, awareness, and funding, with a focus on digital and green skills.
Rt. Hon. Jake Berry MP then also delivered a short video message to guests, outlining his personal experiences during his post as Northern Powerhouse Minister and the importance of collaboration and the creation of a Combined Authority for Lancashire.
“Team sport is so important to business across East Lancashire, to come together to help Lancashire overcome building blocks, and to grow our economy.” – Jake Berry MP
Session 2: Parliamentary Q&A
Aided by Christian Spence, the floor was open for attendees to put their burning questions to our panel of local MPs – Andrew Stephenson MP (Pendle), Sara Britcliffe MP (Hyndburn) and Antony Higginbotham MP (Burnley).
Topics covered included #LevellingUp funding received in crucial East Lancashire areas, increasing the number of businesses and improving existing firms within East Lancashire, and how the initiative of a Combined Authority could help to turbo-charge the region’s economy.
“We have to work with local business to ensure we’re not left behind. We can’t work without businesses feeding in what they need.”
– Sara Britcliffe MP
“We are further behind than the rest of the North, but this where the opportunity comes in.”
– Antony Higginbotham MP
“A Combined Authority can help to turbo-charge Lancashire if all 15 MPs work together.”
– Andrew Stephenson MP
The key message was the voice of our Assembly will be heard loudly, and fed directly back to ministers on a national scale.
With a sizable turnout and an atmosphere brimming with enthusiasm, the Assembly showcased our community’s commitment to working hand-in-hand towards fostering innovative ideas for a prosperous, sustainable future for East Lancashire.
We’re committed to barriers being broken down in every room across our region, propelling new and existing businesses to thrive and showcase the talent, skills and potential of the North.
We’re #WhereBusinessBelongs – join us in our mission to lobby, influence and grow today: https://www.chamberelancs.co.uk/apply/
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