Category: Events
This October has a wide range of events happening in and around Preston!
Cyber Attack Hydra Simulation
📆 6 October
⏰ 9.30am – 1.30pm
📍 University of Lancashire
Fhunded: Founder x Funder event in collaboration with Playfair
📆 6 October
⏰ 2.30pm-5.30pm
📍 Fraser House Hub
The Tech Resistance
📆 7 October
⏰ 6pm – 7.30pm
📍Society1
Government Cyber Action Plan: What it means for SMEs
📆 8 October
⏰ 10am – 11am
📍 Online
Cyber Attack Hydra Simulation
📆 14 October
⏰ 1pm – 5pm
📍 University of Lancashire
A Mayor for Lancashire?
📆 14 October
⏰ 6pm – 8pm
📍 Cotton Court Business Centre
🔗 Book now
Preston Tech Connection CoWorking Day
📆 15 October
⏰ 9am – 5pm
📍Society1
Lancashire Digital Tech Breakfast
📆 20 October
⏰ 8.30am – 10am
📍Pendle
Preston Freelancer Meetup
📆 22 October
⏰ 10am – 12pm
📍Society1
Grok Bot Build NorthWest
📆 24 October
⏰ 11am – 3pm
📍Edge Hill University
Cyber Attack Hydra Simulation
📆 27 October
⏰ 9.30am – 1.30pm
📍 University of Lancashire
Cyber Attack Hydra Simulation
📆 30 October
⏰ 10.30am – 2.30pm
📍 University of Lancashire
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“What Makes a Thriving City Centre?” was the hot topic for Preston Partnership’s third #InTheCity event for 2026.
More than Retail
Hosted at Cotton Court Business Centre, the event kicked off with a presentation from long-term retailer, Peter Jackson, on behalf of Preston BID. Passionate about the city centre, Peter told the audience that future town centres cannot depend on retail as the primary draw – they must be a place where people live, eat, socialise, work and visit after the shops are closed.
Setting out the case for voting “yes” for Preston BID at the upcoming election, Peter told us that “Preston needs the BID,” and that the next five years would allow them to continue to build upon the work they’ve done, including:
- CCTV and other security measures
- Improvements to Winckley Square
- Events (at Christmas and during the summer)
- Street cleaning
- Flower Displays
- Christmas lights
He also urged everyone in the room to remember their role in making sure our city centre thrives, by using it.
Panel Discussion
Chaired by Beckie Joyce, the panel included special guests:
- Mark Whittle, Manager at Preston BID
- Chris Moss, Journalist & Cultural Historian
- Marianne Hesketh, Deputy Chief Executive for Preston City Council
The wide-ranging discussion covered topics from reality vs perception, investment and footfall to business rates, the Guild Hall and parking. Author Chris Moss highlighted how Preston’s main axis (Fishergate) feels lively and thriving, but acknowledged the challenge of spreading that energy to the side streets. Marianne Hesketh echoed this positivity, talking about the opportunity to increase how the city celebrates its history and heritage. Beckie Joyce teased a soon-to-be revealed Preston narrative and brand, expected later this year and all agreed that the city’s walkable core is an underused asset.
Upcoming events
A Mayor for Lancashire?
Wednesday, October 14 // 6pm – 8pm
Cotton Court Business Centre
Preston Partnership Presents: Healthy Preston Quarterly Event
Thursday, November 26 // 8am-10am
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Join us 14 October to explore what devolution and a potential Lancashire Mayor could mean for Lancashire’s businesses and communities.
Devolution and local government are hot topics that feature in every single Preston Partnership panel discussion. Why? Because they are intrinsically linked to Preston’s ability to thrive.
Politics aside, whether or not there is a Lancashire Mayor will have an impact on our businesses and communities.
Our host, Ed Walker will be joined by panellists:
- Henri Murison MBE, CEO Northern Powerhouse Partnership
- Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council
- Jane Dalton, Founder of Groundswell Innovation
Together, they will look at how we can achieve the best outcomes for businesses and residents across Lancashire through devolution.
Join us to find out how and why.
14 October
6pm – 8pm
Cotton Court Business Centre
Meet the Panel
Henri Murison MBE, Chief Executive, Northern Powerhouse Partnership
Since his appointment in 2017 he has established the partnership as the business led organisation which convenes the North together. From having made the case consistently for Northern Powerhouse Rail, to challenging for a better deal for the most disadvantaged from the education system, his team are focused on how government, business and partners can drive the North’s ambitions. Before joining the Partnership, he worked in senior research and policy roles in policing and financial services, and as a former senior local government figure in Newcastle upon Tyne remains a commentator on regional and wider industrial policy.
He is a member of the Royal Society Science, Industry and Translation Committee and the Court of Newcastle University.
Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council
After a working career in the food industry, Phil has been a councillor on Blackburn with Darwen Council since 2011. He became Executive Member for Growth in 2015 and Leader in 2022. Long before it became fashionable, he saw new housing, not just as a vehicle for regeneration in Northern towns with large amounts of Victorian housing stock, but also as a driver for an improvement in public health. He was an original member of the Lancashire Combined County Authority and is clear that Lancashire desperately needs an elected mayor.
Jane Dalton, Founder, Groundswell Innovation
Jane Dalton is an innovation strategist, creative catalyst and design thinker with more than 20 years’ experience helping organisations turn insight and ideas into commercial opportunity.
A Cambridge MBA graduate, Jane founded Groundswell Innovation in 2008 to help businesses and places use new ideas to grow and prosper.
She is an Entrepreneur in Residence at Lancaster University and a member of Lancashire’s Early Stage Investment Board as well as an ambassador for We Are Power, supporting Northern talent and more diverse participation in the workplace.
Jane’s particular focus is place-based innovation – unlocking prosperity in regional economies by making innovation pay its way for SMEs.
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September is lining up to be a very busy month – check out our latest round-up of events you may be interested in.
An Introduction to the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) with the Business Academy
📆 3 September
⏰ 2pm – 3pm
📍Online
Hot Takes in Tech with Preston Tech Connection
📆 9 September
⏰ 6pm – 7.30pm
📍Society1
🔗 https://www.skiddle.com/e/42490270
Cyber Attack Hydra Simulation
📆 11 September // 21 September
⏰ 12pm – 4pm // 10am – 2pm
📍 University of Lancashire
Access to Alternative Funding Breakfast with River Capital
📆 22 September
⏰ 8am – 10am
📍 Cotton Court
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/access-to-alternative-funding-with-river-capital-tickets-1994947140600
Lancashire Tech Talk: The AI Stack – The Reality with Lancashire Digital hub
📆 23 September
⏰ 6pm – 8pm
📍 Strawberry Fields Digital Hub
Preston Partnership Presents: What makes a thriving city?
📆 24 September
⏰ 9am – 10am
📍 Cotton Court
Freelancer Meet-up & CoWorking Day
📆 24 September
⏰ 10am – 12pm
📍 Society1
🔗 https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Preston/Society1/Preston-Freelancer-Meet-Up-September/42680089/
Preston Tech Connection CoWorking Day
📆 29 September
⏰ 9am – 5pm
📍Society1
🔗 https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Preston/Society1/Preston-Tech-Connection-Coworking-Day/42680086/
Carbon Literacy Training with The Green Accountants
📆 30 September & 1 October
⏰ 2 half day sessions
📍Cotton Court
🔗 https://lnkd.in/ewV7EcRq
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Join a powerful community of over 200 members that is helping Preston realise its ambition.
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What makes a city centre thrive? The future of high streets is a hot topic, but what does it look like when applied to Preston?
Join us at Preston Partnership’s next #IntheCity quarterly event for a presentation an update from Preston Business Improvement District (BID) and a panel discussion where our panel will be discussing the essential ingredients for the future of a successful Preston City Centre.
The details:
- Thursday 24 September
- 8am – 10am
- Cotton Court Business Centre
You’re also invited to an exclusive drop-in consultation with Preston BID, taking place after the main session.
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Join a powerful community of over 200 members that is helping Preston realise its ambition.
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Join us at our upcoming event – The Social Value Workshop
Hosted by Stepnell and Preston Partnership, this will be a practical and interactive workshop, exploring key themes in social value, including common barriers and recent wins.
This session will be particularly relevant to businesses involved in projects or services linked to the built environment.
Details:
📆 Tuesday 14 July
🕛 9.00am – 11.30am
📍 OneCoWork (Winckley Square)
There are limited spaces available, please book your (free) ticket now.
Light refreshments will be available. There will also be plenty of opportunity to network with the other attendees.
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Join a powerful community of over 200 members that is helping Preston realise its ambition.
Join today
Our second #InTheCity event of 2026, Preston: Future Talent, took place in the recently (but not fully) opened Vault, Preston Youth Zone, bringing business owners, city leaders and those earlier in their careers together in an inspiring (and well-air conditioned) space.
This event was sponsored by IN4 Group by way of a donation to our hosts, Vault.
Vault Youth Zone
If you haven’t had the opportunity to see inside the £12m purpose-built youth facility, which is part of the On-Side network, you may be surprised just how much they are able to offer young people.
Tim Jacques, CEO of Vault, explained to our members that the youth zone has been partially open since late March (waiting on final road works to be completed before fully operational), and already has more than £2k members accessing facilities such as:
- Boxing suit (where we were hosted)
- Kick Pitch
- Makers Zone
- Music / DJ suite
- Climbing wall
- Sports Hall
- Health & wellbeing room
- Training Kitchen
Tim explained that the running costs are around £1.5m per year, an amount that is not covered by the £5 membership and 50p session fees. You can find out more about Vault and becoming a Founder Patron on their website.
AI Super Curriculum
Mo Isap OBE, guest speaker and CEO of IN4 Group, inspired the room with his insight into education outcomes, lifetime earning potential and real-life inequalities that are present in our communities and emphasized the importance of the business community in working with organisations such as the Youth Zone.
Mo introduced IN4’s AI Native Youth pilot programme, designed to disrupt the education system for young people at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) with AI apprenticeships. This government-backed programme focuses on AI literacy, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving, based on a recruit-train-employ model, with a Level 3 Digital Champion AI apprenticeship.
What makes this model different is that IN4 take on all compliance and risk concerns from employers, removing barriers so that the young people can make an impact from day one.
This builds on IN4’s established MEGA HUbs, currently rolling out across every secondary school in Lancashire.
You can find out more about the AI Native Youth Pilot on IN4’s website.
Building Preston’s Future: panel discussion
Mo joined panel host, Gaby Ingham, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Vault, and fellow panelists:
- Helen Wright, Training Manager, Westinghouse
- Martin Blunt, Head of Enterprise and Engagement Unit for the University of Lancashire
They discussed important themes such as:
- Developing & retaining future talent in the city
- Social capital and advocacy
- Preston’s economic case for change
- Future leadership
- Partnerships between business and youth organisations
Upcoming events
- 14 July Social Value Workshop with Stepnell
- Join Preston Partnership and Stepnell for this exclusive workshop exploring social value, including common barriers and recent wins.
- 29 July Preston Partnership CoWorking Day at Society1
- 29 July A new chapter for Avenham, guided netwalk.
Save the dates for our future quarterly events in 2026:
- 24 September
- 26 November
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Join a powerful community of over 200 members that is helping Preston realise its ambition.
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Join us for our annual summer netwalking event – an informal opportunity to network, learn more about Preston and get some fresh air. If you want to make the most of the day, why not sign up for our Preston Partnership co-working day, at Society1?
This year, our walk (led by Preston Partnership Director, Alban Cassidy) will focus on two major developments in Avenham: the newly transformed Tram Bridge and the Park Hotel, where we will hear an exclusive update from the Heaton Group.
The details:
- 29 July
- 4pm – 5pm
- Meet at Society1.
Limited spaces, so book your netwalking ticket now
*The tour will end at The Continental, feel free to stay and chat afterwards!
About Preston Partnership’s co-working day:
We are pleased to offer Preston Partnership members a discounted day pass of £18, to cowork at Society1 on 14 July. This includes a hot desk, plus tea & coffee throughout the day.
It will provide you with the opportunity to get the most from your day before joining the netwalk and meet some fellow Preston Partnership and Society1 members.
Society1 is a friendly and welcoming space in the centre of Preston, close to the train station and Avenham carpark. Just a short walk from the high street, it offers a perfect base for a day in the city.
Come and work from our creative and vibrant space. Find some inspiration and meet a few new faces along the way. This is a perfect opportunity to take a break from your usual routine and work in a different surrounding.
Book on for the Preston Partnership co-working day now
Become a
member
Join a powerful community of over 200 members that is helping Preston realise its ambition.
Join today
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.
Become a
member
Join a powerful community of over 200 members that is helping Preston realise its ambition.
Join today
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
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
Opening Doors And Opportunity For Tech In Preston
📆9 June
⏰ 6pm – 7.30pm
📍Society1
LIFT26 (Lancashire Innovation Funding & Tech) Festival
📆11 June
📍Burnley Football Club
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
The RedCAT Network – North England’s most productive Climate Tech network
📆 7 July
⏰ 10.30 – 2pm
📍Altitude
🔗 https://www.tickettailor.com/events/redcat/2028876
Social Value Workshop, hosted by Stepnell and Preston Partnership
📆 14 July
⏰ 9am – 11.30am
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
Hot Takes in Tech with Preston Tech Connection
📆 15 July
⏰ 6pm – 7.30pm
📍Society1
🔗https://www.skiddle.com/e/42490270
Preston Tech Connection CoWorking Day
📆 23 July
⏰ 9 am
📍Society1
Preston Partnership presents: A new chapter for Avenham, guided netwalk.
📆 29 July
⏰ 4 pm
📍Meet at Society1
Preston Partnership CoWorking Day
📆 29 July
⏰ 9am – 4 pm
📍Society1
Become a
member
Join a powerful community of over 200 members that is helping Preston realise its ambition.
Join today
