Our fourth #InTheCity event took place on Thursday September 5, when we returned to OneCoWork on Winckley Square to discuss the topic of culture.

Preston Partnership members, strategic partners, and guests from across Preston and surrounding areas came together to get under the skin of Preston’s cultural identity, exploring how we can come together to put Preston on the cultural map.

Preston’s culture club 

Stakeholders and leaders from across Preston’s private and public sector who attended the event were joined by some of Preston’s most influential cultural leaders including Timothy Joel, head of arts and culture at Preston City Council, which recently helped attract BBC Radio 2 in The Park to Preston; Christina Cort, Founder of Chew’s Yard and cultural trailblazer across the North West; and Shawn Sharpe, Founder at Graffiti Rooms, and artist behind the well-known mural on the side of the Hogarths, located on Church Street, as well as Lynsey Thompson, Managing Director at Wash Studio and founder of The Artistry House; and Peter Alexander, Proprietor at Blitz.

Key cultural investment projects

Timothy spoke of us being on a “precipice of change”, highlighting some key development projects that are underway.

One key focal point was the redevelopments underway in Preston’s emerging Harris Quarter. This included the restoration of the Harris Museum, and the much-anticipated Animate Cinema and Leisure scheme in the area, due to open in 2025. Tim talked about the October 2024 reopening of the former Guild Hall Foyer as The Guild Lounge where it will serve as an entertainment venue. Together, the projects were praised for their role in diversifying the cultural and night-time economy in the city.

Timothy also talked about the Illuminate and Integrate scheme, which began work in August. The scheme aims to deliver improved pedestrian, cycleway, and outdoor leisure infrastructure in the area, which will enhance the accessibility and scope of the Harris Quarter as a vibrant cultural destination.

As well as redeveloping, building and updating cultural institutions and public spaces, Preston is now showcasing an increasingly busy cultural calendar, which brings the city to life for residents and draws people in from across the UK. From the much talked about BBC Radio 2 in The Park, to the upcoming Encounter Festival and Lancashire Fringe Festival, Preston is marking its place on the cultural map .

This, it was discussed, offers to have a knock-on effect, giving us the opportunity to highlight Preston’s unique cultural assets. The panel discussed the upcoming events and referenced the new Blog Preston What’s On page.

Timothy additionally touched on smaller investment projects with great impact. The recent addition of several public art installations both improves the look and feel of the city and creates focal points of interest. Specifically, he referenced the “iconic” Wallace and Gromit bench which was unveiled outside the Preston Market Hall in 2021, as well as Shawn’s ongoing series of murals across the city.

Defining Preston’s cultural identity

Our panel discussion was marked by a particular focus on defining Preston’s unique personality as a city – as Christina put it: “What is our quintessential thing?”.

Lynsey talked about how the affordability of rent in Preston has created opportunities for her in creating a creative community workspace and gallery, The Artistry House and creative film production studio, Wash Studio. Through creating her “home” in Preston, she has been able to host self-funded events that inspire people and pour her passion into projects that carve change in the city.

The panel agreed that the relative affordability for small businesses to have their own space and create their home in Preston makes it more accessible for a community of innovative people with their own clear visions, to collectively build out Preston’s unique cultural ecosystem.

Stemming off from this point, it was discussed that it’s not only our physical proximity as a small and walkable city that makes us unique, but that we are a smaller community compared to other nearby cities. This offers individuals a greater opportunity to have their voice heard and be an active member of shaping the cities’ identity during this important phase of defining our who, what and why.

Whilst we’re in this phase of change and regeneration, the panel pinpointed Friargate and the surrounding area as a representation of a key cultural shift that is underway. An example they discussed was Chew’s Yard – a food-hall, event space and wrap-around garden, founded by panellist Christina – which exists as a democratic and welcoming space created specifically for people in Preston, and now attracting visitors from across the region.

The way forward 

It was evident throughout Thursday’s event that there are lots of ambitious people with ideas in Preston, and coming together with a collective vision, we can steer and drive real momentum to define Preston’s who, what and why, and to realise our potential as a city.

Christina placed emphasis on the importance of defining and honouring Preston’s unique cultural identity as a way to create direction.

Whilst smaller spaces such as the Ferret and Blitz came up in discussions around the thriving live-music scene across the city, there was a general agreement that a larger-scale music venue could open even more opportunities when it comes to live entertainment.

Timothy added that with a new government in place there exists a renewed opportunity to influence funding priorities, and that on a local level, cultural projects have been seen taking up greater space at the forefront of strategic conversations in a way that they weren’t before.

#MyPreston 

Join us in a campaign to showcase the very best of socialising, working, and studying in Preston.

Use #MyPreston in your personal and business social media posts sharing your favourite Preston places to highlight what makes our city a vibrant and thriving community!

Dates for your diary

Our next #InTheCity event will be held on November 21 at OneCoWork and will be focussed on the topic of sustainability in Preston.

For further information on our events programme, visit www.prestonpartnership.org/news-and-events/.

Become a member

If you would like to join a community of over 175 members collaborating to help Preston realise its potential, head over to our join page and choose your membership package.

Our third #InTheCity event took place on Thursday July 25 at Preston’s impressive new co-working space, OneCoWork, located on Winckley Square.

Preston Partnership members and guests came together to discuss Preston’s strengths and opportunities as a place to relocate and work. The debate included a presentation of the Preston 35 regeneration plan, working culture and trends in the city, new offices, and the real living wage.

Preston 35 regeneration plan

Following a breakfast networking session, Adrian Phillips, board member and chief executive of Preston City Council, spoke about the formation of the Preston Regeneration Board (PRB) which, in its first year, has started to outline a blueprint for Preston’s future.

Adrian highlighted some of the key regeneration and development opportunities in Preston outlined in the newly unveiled Preston 35 regeneration plan, which sets out the draft vision and priorities for Preston and the wider city region.

Adrian outlined key focus areas which the PRB aims to deliver by 2035, including: the continued development of Stoneygate – a 25-hectare urban village area offering new city centre residential, business, education and leisure spaces; and the Harris Quarter Phase Two project, which will bring a range of cultural and leisure opportunities to Preston city centre.

He also talked about the board’s future aspirations, such as adding a third River Ribble crossing, building on the existing Preston Station Quarter plans and regenerating Preston’s Riversway.

Adrian cited Preston Partnership as a means for individuals and organisations to have a direct involvement and impact in the continued work that is going on across Preston, and building on the growth, development and success that has been forged across the city in recent years.

Working in Preston

Next, we were joined by our expert panel, who discussed what Preston can do to become a more attractive destination for businesses and employees.

Chaired by Beckie Joyce of Preston Partnership, our panel consisted of Davinia Jackson, development organiser at Citizens UK; Danny Pinkus, director at Robert Pinkus & Co; Wes Royle, business director at Hays Recruitment; Joshua Senior, CEO at Leven Branco, and Rory Southworth, investment ecosystem manager at Lancashire County Council.

The panel stated that the key areas of interest for business owners and employees, in any city, include high quality, sustainable and flexible working spaces, with a vibrant cultural offer.

They agreed that more could be done to promote the distinct points of interest that could attract employees and employers to Preston, including recent investment successes, our abundance of green spaces and parks, a growing retail and leisure scene, and a progressive stance on the real living wage.

The discussion explored the post pandemic rise of working from home trends (WFH) and the challenges and opportunities for businesses and employees alike.

It was stressed that the vast majority of employees want WFH provisions and that a more agile way of working creates opportunities for Manchester-based talent to work in Preston without the need for a five-day commute, and vice versa.

Our panel also discussed the ‘race amongst employers for good quality business spaces’, with an imbalance between the great range of entrepreneurs and SMEs, and the lack of high-quality grade A office space to facilitate various business needs.

They cited the Preston Station East development, outlined in the Preston 35 regeneration plan, as a potential solution that would create a mixed-use commercial complex near to Preston railway station, featuring grade A office space, to accommodate the needs of businesses in Preston city centre.

There was also talk around Preston’s progressive stance on the real living wage in contrast, compared to other areas in Lancashire, and the positive health outcomes that could come off the back of this.

National Cyber Force (NCF)

Introduced initially in Adrian’s talk, the topic of NCF’s 2025 relocation towards Preston, in Samlesbury, was a key talking point throughout the event.

Some of the opportunities that will come from Preston’s proximity to the NCF that were referenced throughout include the additional high-skilled jobs that will emerge and the positive impact this will have on Lancashire’s economy, as well as Preston’s opportunity to become recognised as a leading hub for cyber, digital and data innovation.

Cultural assets

Something that was agreed upon unanimously was that Preston has a unique set of green spaces in the city including the extensive Avenham and Miller Parks and Winckley Square, being points of interest that could attract people to live and work in Preston.

Additionally, referencing projects including the ongoing Harris Quarter Towns Fund investment which will facilitate the refurbishment and reopening of important cultural institutions including the Harris Museum and the creation of new areas including the Animate Cinema and Leisure centre.

Our panel identified a need for us to exploit these cultural assets and place Preston on the map, becoming recognised as an attractive destination in Lancashire.

Dates for your diary

Our next #InTheCity event will be held on September 5 at OneCoWork and will be focussed on the topic of culture in Preston.

For further information on our events programme, visit www.prestonpartnership.org/news-and-events/.

Become a member

If you would like to join a community of over 175 members collaborating to help Preston realise its potential, head over to our join page and choose your membership package.

A series of in-person events, aimed at cultivating a vibrant and innovative local ecosystem are taking place in Preston.

The events mark the beginning of an exciting new calendar of Preston innovation and investment events focused on the themes of tech, digital, cyber, disruptive processes, advanced manufacturing, nuclear and bio/green tech.

Within the umbrella series, is the ‘fhunded Preston Season’, the inaugural series from Lancashire County Council initiative, fhunded.

Fhunded is designed to connect tech founders with venture capital funding bodies, fostering collaboration and driving investment in Lancashire’s tech and digital sectors.

Rory Southworth, Investment Ecosystem Manager at fhunded, said: “fhunded coming to Preston is bringing many Northern focused Investors into the city, with their eyes of Preston businesses.”

Rob Binns, CEO of Cotton Court and Preston Partnership board member, added: “It is encouraging to see opportunities to develop in and for Preston. With the National Cyber Force opening its HQ on our doorstep within the next year, it is the perfect time to host these conversations and events and push this agenda forward.”

Dates for your diary

Aug 27: Fireside chat with Seneca Partners (fhunded Preston Season event) 

For founders seeking early-stage investment, don’t miss this fireside chat with Matt Currie from Seneca Partners. This session will provide valuable tips on how to successfully pitch to investors, what to look out for in the process, and informal networking with other local founders.

Get your ticket here.

Sept 9: What is equity investment? (fhunded Preston Season event)

Attend this short, lunch time talk, hosted by Society 1, for explainers on what exactly Equity Investment is, the processes for gaining investment and jargon busting.

Get your ticket here.

Sept 11: Artificial Inspiration: AI and the Creative Process 

Part of Society1’s ‘Live Work Create’ series, this panel discussion will explore how creatives can strike the optimal balance between human creativity and AI-generated content.

Moderated by Mich Bondesio and featuring Mark Dunbavan, Matty Hall and Christina Davies, the discussion will look at ideas for how creatives can use AI to enhance and elevate their own creative abilities and outputs.

Get your ticket here.

Sept 11: Lancashire Women in Digital (LWID) 

Join this evening event at Chorley Studios, featuring a mix of networking, engaging talks, micro-training sessions, and group activities—including goal setting for the remainder of 2024.

Their buddy system is perfect for newcomers, offering the chance to connect with a fellow attendee.

Get your ticket here.

Sept 17: Founder X Funder (fhunded Preston Season event) 

Hosted at Preston’s new OneCoWork, this event features Kiran Mehta from Mercia Ventures, who will share key insights on raising investment. Following the session, there will be an informal networking opportunity to connect Lancashire founders and funders.

Get your ticket here.

Sept 25: Lancashire Cyber Good Practice Network (GPN)

Organised in collaboration with UCLan and Your Affordable Board (YAB), join cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and organisations from across the county to share knowledge and ideas at the Cyber GPN meet up morning.

A breakfast networking session will be followed by a dynamic morning of intros, collaborative mastermind sessions and discussion around specific challenges.

Get your ticket here.

Sept 27: Preston Innovates drop-in sessions

Book a one-on-one, 30-minute slot with Shirah Bamber of Preston Innovates, to discuss anything tech, digital or cyber related. Sessions will be held at Cotton Court Business Centre.

Book your slot here.

Become a member of Preston Partnership

If you would like to join a community of over 200 members collaborating to help Preston realise its potential, head over to our join page and choose your membership package.

On September 5, Preston Partnership will host its fourth #InTheCity event of 2024, open to our members and guests from the private and public sector passionate to discuss and shape the future of Preston.

One of our core strategic aims is to bring together an ambitious community of people determined to help Preston realise its potential.

Our #InTheCity event series allows our members and guests to come together to learn about upcoming projects, have their say on big Preston issues, and build relationships over coffee and a croissant.

The theme for our September event is #CultureInTheCity and coincides with BBC’s Radio 2 in the Park annual live music event, which takes place in Preston on September 7 and 8.

Our event will once again take place at OneCoWork, the impressive new coworking and office space located on Preston’s stunning Winckley Square.

We will be bringing together a specialist panel from Preston’s culture community to discuss the city’s cultural strengths and opportunities.

Full details of our guest speakers will be revealed on social media leading up to the event.

OneCoWork are also kindly offering complimentary day passes to all attendees, allowing you to use its facilities and coworking spaces for the remainder of the day following the event.

Details on booking complementary day pass in confirmation email.

Registration 

This is a free event with 100 spaces available, so book your space soon to avoid disappointment.

Please note, there is a maximum of two spaces per company.

On July 25, Preston Partnership will host its third #InTheCity event of 2024, open to our members and guests from the private and public sector, passionate about discussing and shaping the future of Preston.

One of our strategic aims is to bring together an ambitious community of people determined to help Preston realise its potential.

Our #InTheCity event series allows our members to learn about upcoming projects, have their say on big Preston issues, and build relationships over coffee and a croissant.

Our July #WorkingInTheCity event will take place at OneCoWork, the stunning new coworking offices located on Winckley Square.

We will be bringing together a specialist panel to discuss what can make cities stand out as locations of choice for employers and their workforce.

We will also be joined by the new Preston Regeneration Board and hear more details of Preston’s new regeneration plan.

Full details of our guest speakers will be revealed on social media leading up to the event, make sure you’re following us to keep up to date.

Registration

This is a free event, but there are only 100 spaces available. Book your space now to avoid disappointment.

On April 18, Preston Partnership will host its second #InTheCity event of 2024, open to our members and guests from the private and public sector passionate to discuss and shape the future of Preston.

One of our strategic aims is to bring together an ambitious community of people determined to help Preston realise its potential. Our #InTheCity event series allows our members to learn about upcoming projects, have their say on big Preston issues, and build relationships over coffee and a croissant.

Our April Innovation In the City event shine the spotlight on innovation and how Preston can step up to take advantage of transformational projects like National Cyber Force located at Samlesbury.

Preston Partnership is working with Plexal to understand how the Preston’s innovation community can be nurtured and grown. The event will feature an introduction and update from the Preston Partnership board, followed by a presentation by Plexal, an expert panel discussion and audience Q&A.

Registration

Tickets go on sale on March 18 and Preston Partnership members have priority access until March 25, after which tickets will go on general sale. This is a free event with 100 spaces available, so book your space soon to avoid disappointment.

Preston Partnership is proud to be sponsoring the first Preston Quarter Club event of 2024, alongside BEK Geo-Environmental Consultants.

You can expect the same winning format, no speeches, pressurised networking, or hard sell. The Preston Quarter Club is simply for businesses to get together, catch-up, build relationships, and enjoy some quality professional social time.

There’ll even be a drink or two with your name on, and a bite to eat.

When: Thursday 7 March, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: Bar Pintxos, PR1 2AR

Click here to secure your free place (maximum of two per company).

The Preston Quarter Club is brought to you by the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, and PR and marketing communications consultancy, Freshfield.

Please only secure a place if you are able to make the date, and you can no longer attend the event, please cancel your place.

On February 22, Preston Partnership will host its first #InTheCity event, open to passionate Prestonians from the private and public sector to celebrate and discuss the future of our prosperous city.

One of our strategic aims is to bring together an ambitious community of people determined to help Preston realise its potential. Our #InTheCity event series will allow our members to learn about upcoming projects, have their say on big Preston issues, and build relationships over coffee and a croissant… or two.

The first event will feature an introduction and update from the Preston Partnership board, followed by a devolution debate hosted by chair John Chesworth with senior Lancashire County Council representatives.

Where: Cotton Court Business Centre, Church Street, Preston, PR1 3BY.

When: Thursday, February 22 2024 | 8.00am – 10.00am

Schedule:

8.00am-8.30am | Registration and networking
8.30am-8.45am | Preston Partnership update
8.45am-9.45am | Project update and workshop
9.45am-10am | Summary and close

This is a free event, but there are only 80 spaces available, so book your space soon to avoid disappointment.