Join us for our summer quarterly panel event, Preston: Future Talent, sponsored by IN4 Group.

Given the focus of our event, this time we are asking our guests – business owners and senior leaders – to bring along someone from your team who is at an earlier stage in their career!

Our guest speaker, Mo Isap, will set the scene before joining our panel discussion – Building Preston’s Future – hosted by Gaby Ingham, Head of Fundraising and Communications Vault, Preston Youth Zone.

Our panel will include:

• Mo Isap OBE , CEO of IN4 Group
• Helen Wright, Training Manager, Westinghouse
• Martin Blunt, Head of Enterprise and Engagement Unit for the University of Lancashire

They will cover important themes such as:

• Developing & retaining future talent in the city
• The role we can all play in creating aspiration and opportunity
• Future leadership
• Connecting with young people and communities
• Partnerships between business and youth organisations

While you’re there, you’ll have the opportunity to network over hot drinks and breakfast foods with a room full of professionals, including business and public sector leaders.

As always, this event will be a great chance to keep up to date with what is happening in Preston.

There will also be an opportunity for a guided tour of Vault.

Space is limited so book your free ticket now. 

About our sponsor…

About IN4 Group:

IN4 Group is a leading international professional technology training and skills provider, with operations across the United Kingdom and the Middle East. Delivered through a proven regional blueprint, the Group unlocks the potential of local talent to drive sustainable productivity and prosperity for industry, communities, and the local Economy.

IN4’s AI and Data technology training offers a practical workforce development solution that enables employers to build capability and improve productivity and performance.

Its mission is to ensure fair access to technology futures, underpinned by its DNA: to humanise technology, create a connection to place, and maintain a culture of Belonging.

The Group comprises award-winning specialist training divisions with a portfolio of bespoke programmes, professional qualifications, and apprenticeships. It holds approved training provider status with Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Google, is ISO 9001 accredited, and is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

To date, IN4 has worked with over 500 employers, engaged more than 2,000 schools and colleges, and upskilled over 6,000 people into tech jobs – 59% of whom are women and 37% from underrepresented groups. In the past three years alone, the Group has generated over £44m in social impact, including £25.3m in 2024 – a return of £3.88 for every £1 invested. This pedigree has enabled the Group to hold prestigious preferred provider status with regional and national governments.

Meet the panel:

Gaby Ingham is Head of Fundraising and Communications at Vault Youth Zone. She works with local businesses, partners and funders to secure investment and support that helps deliver high quality youth work for young people across Preston.

With a background in relationship management, business development and community engagement, Gaby focuses on building strong partnerships that directly contribute to expanding opportunities for young people. She plays a key role in growing awareness and support for Vault’s work, helping to ensure it continues to be a welcoming, accessible space where young people can develop skills, confidence and a sense of belonging.

Mo Isap OBE is the CEO of IN4 Group, headquartered at MediaCity, Salford. He is also founding director of Star Academies, trustee and board director of the Careers Enterprise Company, and Chair of the Lancashire Business Board.

With a 30-year career as a tech entrepreneur, Mo has launched and scaled several successful start-ups. In 1996, he scaled his first business, MPG, to become one of the UK’s largest independent document management companies, listed in the Financial Times 100 fastest-growing UK companies.

Latterly, Mo was Group Director at Hobs Plc. In four years, Hobs established itself as the UK’s leading prop-tech businesses, providing 3D technology solutions to the architectural, engineering and construction sector.

Mo was awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year Honours list 2026 for services to education and skills. He was also awarded Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors in 2024. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Martin Blunt serves as the Head of the Enterprise and Engagement Unit at the University of Lancashire, where he leads a multidisciplinary team. Since graduating, Martin has dedicated his career to the learning, education and development sector. He has worked to improve teaching quality, ensure compliance, support businesses, and develop skills, helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Martin builds networks and opportunities for businesses across the Northwest and nationally, offering tailored solutions for enterprises of all sizes.

He oversees a comprehensive range of services, including Degree Apprenticeships, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, Continuous Professional Development, Facilities, event space and Equipment, research, consultancy, and business incentives. Martin’s work drives knowledge exchange and supports businesses in accessing grants, ensuring impactful collaborations and sustainable growth.

Make sure you save the date for our upcoming events:

• 24 September
• 26 November

About Preston Partnership

Preston Partnership is a private sector led membership organisation. We bring together businesses and the public sector to help make Preston a prosperous city to live, work, visit and invest in.

Find out more and become a member: www.prestonpartnership.org

About Vault, Preston Youth Zone

We are Vault Youth Zone. We deliver life changing youth work and create opportunities for young people across Preston.

Vault is a world class space where young people from all backgrounds come together to explore their talents, build new skills and thrive. It belongs to them, designed around their needs, with support from passionate youth workers who are there every step of the way.

It is more than a building. It is a safe, welcoming environment where young people feel supported, valued and able to be themselves.

Through everything from workouts and kickabouts to mock interviews and hanging out with friends, young people build confidence, resilience and practical skills for life. They learn how to tackle challenges, solve problems and aim higher for their future.

Along the way they form positive relationships, grow in self belief and develop a real sense of belonging. These journeys take time, and we are here for all of it, supporting young people for the long term.

There are plenty of events taking place in and around Preston in June and July!

June

Building a High-Performance Culture with Centre for SME & Enterprise Development

📆  3 June

⏰  9.30 – 11.30 am

📍 University of Lancashire

🔗  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-a-high-performance-culture-tickets-1985899516914?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Innovation Unlocked: Your next 3 moves with Innovate Lancashire and Innovate UK

📆  3 June

⏰  9.30am – 12pm

📍 AMRC North West

🔗 https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Blackburn/AMRC-North-West/Innovation-Unlocked-Your-Next-Three-Moves/42432596/

Lancashire Digital Talk: Dev Talking 

📆 4 June

⏰ 11.30am – 12.45pm

📍 Online

🔗  https://lnkd.in/eAMqBvCX

Opening Doors And Opportunity For Tech In Preston

📆9 June

⏰ 6pm – 7.30pm

📍Society1

🔗https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Preston/Society1/Opening-Doors-And-Opportunity-For-Tech-In-Preston/42403150/

LIFT26 (Lancashire Innovation Funding & Tech) Festival

📆11 June

📍Burnley Football Club

🔗https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Burnley/Burnley-Football-Club/Lancashires-Innovation-Funding–Tech-Festival/42141448/

July

How Hackers Target SMES – and How to Protect Your Business Build – Grow – Connect, part of the SME Growth Spring Series 

📆 2 July

⏰ 9.30am

📍University of Lancashire

🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-hackers-target-smes-and-how-to-protect-your-business-tickets-1985273554644?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Fhunded Founder x Funder event 

📆 14 July

⏰ 2.30pm – 5.30pm

📍 OneCoWork 

🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fhunded-founder-x-funder-event-with-jenson-ventures-july-tickets-1969340799344?aff=ebdssbcategorybrowse

There are plenty of events coming up hosted at venues across Preston. We’ve made a list so that you don’t miss a thing.

May

Society1 Open Day for European CoWorking Day 

📆 6 May

📍Society1

🔗 Book your ticket now on Skiddle

SEO Growth Webinar with North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce

📆 6 May

📍Online

🔗 Tickets available now on their website (costs may apply)

AI Content Creator – half day practical workshop for marketing, communications, social media and content professionals (fully funded)

📆 14 May

⏰ 1pm – 4pm

📍 Blackburn Youth Zone

🔗 contact Tamima Mulla-Shah

Business Breakfast Networking Event with Centre for SME & Enterprise Development 

📆 20 May

⏰ 8.00-10.30am

📍University of Lancashire

🔗  Book your free ticket now on Eventbrite

Culture, Community & Commerce in the City

📆 20 May

⏰ 6pm – 8.30pm

📍Society1

🔗 Book your tickets now (£8)

Preston Freelancer Meet-up May

📆 21 May

⏰ 10.00am – 12.00pm

📍 Society1

🔗 Book your tickets now on Skiddle (costs may apply)

June

Building a High-Performance Culture with Centre for SME & Enterprise Development

📆 3 May

⏰ 9.30 – 11.30 am

📍University of Lancashire

🔗 Book your free ticket now

Opening Doors And Opportunity For Tech In Preston

📆 9 June

⏰ 6pm – 7.30pm

📍Society1

🔗 Book your ticket on Skiddle now 

LIFT26 (Lancashire Innovation Funding & Tech) Festival

📆 11 June

📍Burnley Football Club

🔗 Book your early bird ticket now

This week, we co-hosted an interactive workshop with Stepnell to help attendees consider the challenges of sustainability standards, as well as engage with peers from across the industry. 

With an early rallying cry that “net zero is impossible in isolation,” the session was a collaborative “listening exercise,” designed to understand the regional supply chain’s current position and identify the support they need to thrive. Led by Jennie Pollard (Strategic Sustainability Manager, Stepnell) and Dan August (Group Buyer, Stepnell), the morning was facilitated by Tan Knowles (North West Regional Business Development Manager, Stepnell) and Preston Partnership to a range of local and regional businesses. 

The event acted as a networking catalyst, fostering new relationships between local architects, consultants, and suppliers who identified opportunities for mutually beneficial working partnerships. 

The advantage of the group approach to activities such as the ESG Maturity Assessment, was the resulting collaborative feeling in the room. The room came alive with conversation as participants used a RAG framework to score their businesses against six key focus areas, an activity which will help Stepnell identify blockers like technical data gaps and client specification constraints. 

One attendee commented that the information being shared “makes you think about what you can do in your own company, and what you can achieve working with others.” The strategic role of design partners was a key takeaway from the session. Even when restricted by client budgets, architects and consultants are the primary stewards of a building’s sustainability legacy.

Businesses at the event also benefited from direct access to the Stepnell Procurement and Sustainability teams, and the opportunity to influence their 2027 supply chain strategy.

The insights gathered will be used by Stepnell to build a mentorship and upskilling hub—providing the templates and workshops the local supply chain actually needs to remain competitive.

Tan Knowles said,

‘Participant feedback clearly shows that open discussion and collaboration genuinely allow people to work more closely and effectively together. By creating space for honest conversations, we strengthen relationships and drive more meaningful outcomes across our projects.

As a business relatively new to the region, this was a particularly positive experience for us. It’s been a great way to get to know local businesses purposefully and supportively, helping us build strong foundations for future partnership working.  We’re committed to continuing this approach: working with Preston Partnership and our supply chain partners to deliver sustainable outcomes and long-term value for the communities we serve.’

Are you interested in collaborating on a special interest event with Preston Partnership? Get in touch to discuss how we may work together.

Our first #InTheCity event of 2026 brought Preston Partnership members and guests together at OneCoWork. We welcomed over 80 business and civic leaders, entrepreneurs and their teams to explore Preston’s residential sector. 

Preston Partnership Update 

Chair of Preston Partnership John Chesworth provided an update on activity, including Preston’s response to the consultation on Local Government Reorganisation; the Partnership’s new free membership; and sponsorship of the first Proud Preston Awards. 

Housing Delivery in Preston 

Director of Development and Housing for Preston City Council, Chris Hayward opened his presentation with a quote from housebuilding lobby group Britain Remade: 

Relative to its housing targets, Preston built more housing than anywhere else in England from 2021 to 2024. Since local housing targets were introduced in 2018, Preston has exceeded its target by a substantial margin every year.

Chris’ point? That there are lessons that other cities can learn from Preston.

Chris explored in more detail the reasons for this growth, particularly the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal which provided essential infrastructure to support the scale of housing growth in North-West Preston as well as the role of the Central Lancashire Local Plan, and cultural change in the Council and on the Planning Committee. 

Chris went on to talk about Making Homes from Houses Project working with Gateway Housing Association to bring empty homes back to life. 

Chris highlighted the work of Preston’s City Living Strategy in promoting residential opportunities in the City Centre.

Panel Discussion 

Following his presentation, Chris joined our panel to broaden out the discussion on residential activity in the city.

• John Heaton, Managing Director for the Heaton Group – a specialist property company with a portfolio and pipeline of residential and commercial developments throughout the North West. John talked about their pioneering residential developers in Preston City Centre, including the exciting plans for the Park Hotel. 
• Stuart Sage, Founder and Director of Hive Land and Planning, an award-winning planning and surveying practice. Stuart talked about the work they are doing with Preston City Council, Homes England and developers to deliver the City Centre Living Strategy (put link here) 
• Claire Lowe, Head of Space and Property Management at University of Lancashire, which has over 30,000 students and academics at it’s Preston Campus. Claire talked about the importance of culture and events to attract and retain students and staff.  
• Stephen Heverin, Growth and Regeneration Director for Onward Homes, one of the largest registered providers of social housing in the North West Stephen talked about the renewal of their estate in and around Stoneygate, a key regeneration priority for the City.

Closing Remarks 

Following audience questions the panel were asked 

what is the one change you would make tomorrow to turn Preston in to the North’s most desirable postcode?

Answers included: making sure that the City has a multi-purpose venue for cultural and business events; strengthening collaboration between the public and private sector; targeted funding to help deliver priority housing sites; new office space to attract well paid job opportunities; and focussed support from government agencies including Homes England. 

We are pleased to announce that the Preston Partnership Board has secured funding from Preston City Council that will enable the Partnership to continue to fulfill its important role in the city. 

This funding also means that the Partnership can move into its next, subscription-free phase, allowing local entrepreneurs, businesses and organisations to join Preston Partnership and attend our quarterly events free of charge.

There will also be opportunity for collaborations and one-off sponsored events to complement our regular activity.

Leader of Preston City Council, Councillor Matthew Brown said,

“We are pleased that we have a bit of a larger budget to play with this year and therefore able to support some ongoing key projects that were previously funded by UK government, of which the Preston Partnership is one. The Preston Partnership is integral to collaborative working between the public and private sectors in the city’s regeneration journey and is a strong voice representing the business community in the city, in its strategic role as a partner on the Preston Regeneration Board, the first of its kind in Lancashire.”

Chair of Preston Partnership, John Chesworth said,

“This is great news for the Partnership and its members.  We are really pleased to have two of Preston’s anchor institutions, the BID and the City Council, behind us as we move forward into a new way of operating.

Members can still expect to see high quality quarterly events and know that we will continue to work alongside public sector bodies to unlock investment and other opportunities. Preston Partnership has a very important role to play in Preston, more now than ever with local government reorganisation (LGR) on the horizon, and this funding secures our place in the landscape.”

Interested in becoming a member of Preston Partnership? Request to join now.

Last week we were proud to be sponsors of the first ever Proud Preston Awards, celebrating Prestonians who are doing extraordinary things for their communities. 

The awards ceremony,

held at Barton Manor Hotel, saw more than 200 people come together, representing Preston’s communities, charities and businesses, with special guest Councillor Sue Whittam, Mayor of Preston. 

“Just by being in this room, you’re a winner – all of you,” Mayor of Preston, Councillor Sue Whittam.

Hosted by John Gillmore and Neetal Parekh, the event was a true celebration of all things Proud Preston – with winners having the opportunity to share their personal stories and thanking their wider support networks and communities for all of the hard work that happens behind the scenes. 

The award categories recognised outstanding achievements from across the community and business sectors in Preston:

• Volunteer of the Year
• Carer of the Year
• Arts and Culture Hero of the Year
• Charity Hero of the Year
• Inspirational Young Leader
• Community Initiative of the Year
• Business in the Community Award
• Inclusive Leadership Award
• Environmental Hero of the Year
• Active Inspiration Award
• Education Award
• Lifetime Hero
• Proud Preston Award

On the night, Board Member and Director, Alban Cassidy represented Preston Partnership to present the Community Initiative of the Year award to winners Bounce Back Netball. Bounce Back Netball engages more than 800 women in accessible netball, promoting well-being and community. 

“We [Bounce Back Netball] began after Covid when we realised women in Preston were not getting the sporting opportunities and physical and mental health was suffering. Netball is a platform, a community and it’s all about empowering women and creating equality.”

Editor-in-chief for Iconic Media in the North West, Nicola Adam set the tone for the night perfectly when she said, “Like so many of you I live in, work and care very much about Preston…In a world where it is easy to be selfish or complacent, you have risen your head above the parapet and deserve to be celebrated.”

The awards were a collaboration between Preston City Council, Lancashire Post, Central Radio and Blog Preston, with a wide range of business sponsors (including Preston Partnership). 

You can see the full list of winners on Blog Preston

Preston Partnership has joined business and community leaders from across the city to support Blog Preston’s campaign for Preston Guild Hall.

On behalf of the Partnership, Chair John Chesworth has written a letter to the Rt Hon Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to ask for her support in securing the future for Preston Guild Hall – whether that is a rebuild or relocation.

The letter, which follows, outlines the need for a fit-for-purpose venue that meets not only cultural and community requirements, but also provides a much-needed space for conferences and business events.

You can sign the online petition to add your support for this campaign.

2026 has had a busy start behind the scenes for Preston Partnership. We have been working alongside our strategic partners to navigate the Partnership into its next phase, progress our shared ambition of helping Preston realise its potential, and amplify the positive stories about Preston to audiences far and wide.

I am really pleased to share that Preston Partnership has secured funding, from Preston Business Improvement District and Preston City Council to enable us to evolve to our next phase of operations. What this funding means is that we can move away from subscription-based membership (making membership and our quarterly events free of charge), and re-focus our energy on working toward our core aims:

• Build an ambitious partnership
• Shape Preston’s future
• Tell Preston’s story

We are extremely grateful to both Preston Business Improvement District and Preston City Council for their generous support that will enable us to facilitate the Partnership and quarterly programme in the most effective way.

I would also like to draw your attention to the current Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) consultation. You may recall that the Partnership formally threw our support behind proposals to create a new unitary authority  for Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire. Now it is your turn to have your say. You can view all of the proposals and give your responses on the dedicated LGR website for Lancashire.

Finally, I am thrilled to announce that Preston Partnership is a sponsor for the Proud Preston Awards, a celebration of the people, organisations and initiatives that make this city such a vibrant and inspiring place to live and work. Congratulations to all of the finalists who were announced earlier this week, it is great to see so many worthy nominations across the wide variety of categories.

Join us for our first quarterly panel event for 2026: Preston Residential.

Date: 26 March

Time: 8am – 10am

Place: OneCoWork – 33-34 Winckley Square, Preston PR1 3JJ.

Our guest speaker, Chris Hayward, and our panel will be explore topics such as:

• How Preston’s residential offer is growing.
• The ingredients for successful City Living.
• Emerging plans for Stoneygate.

While you’re there, you’ll have the opportunity to network over hot drinks and breakfast foods with a room full of professionals, including business and public sector leaders. 

As always, this event will be a great chance to keep up to date with what is happening in Preston.

Space is limited, so book your free ticket now.

About Chris Hayward, Director of Development and Housing, Preston City Council.

Chris has worked in local government for several Lancashire authorities for over 37 years. He has overseen the growth and regeneration of Preston over the last 15 years, including the City Deal, a £450m programme of infrastructure investment creating 20,000 new jobs and 17,000 new homes. 

His planning background has ensured the development is plan-led, supporting the Council’s ambitious growth proposals. He is currently managing the delivery of over £200m of investment in the Harris Quarter in the city centre, including Preston’s new leisure offer and council-owned Animate.

Regeneration and tackling deprivation are at the heart of everything Preston City Council seeks to do, and in 2021 Chris and his planning and regeneration team were successful in helping the Council win the National RTPI Award for its City Living Strategy, the first NW winner.

Meet the panel:

Stuart Sage: Co-founder and Director of Hive Land & Planning, an award-winning planning and surveying practice. Stuart is a town planner with over 25 year’s experience in the public and private sector, with a track record of delivery. 

Claire Lowe: Head of Space & Property Management (interim) at The University of Lancashire. 

John Heaton: UK Property Investment Specialist and Owner of the Heaton Group, a specialist property development company with a substantial portfolio of commercial and residential property throughout the North West.

Stephen Heverin: Director of Growth & Regeneration at Onward Homes.

Make sure you save the date for our upcoming events:

• 25 June
• 24 September
• 26 November

About Preston Partnership

Preston Partnership is a private sector led membership organisation. We bring together businesses and the public sector to help make Preston a prosperous city to live, work, visit and invest in.

Find out more and become a member: www.prestonpartnership.org