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. 

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

We’re wrapping up the year with a festive celebration, an evening of good company, relaxed conversation and a proper Christmas get-together.

This year’s Christmas Party, hosted by Preston Partnership and Cotton Court at Glovers Bar, brings together members, partners and friends of the network for a little end-of-year cheer.

Event details:

📅 Wednesday 10th December
📍 Glovers Bar, 43 Glover’s Court, Preston, PR1 3LS
⏰ 5pm – 9pm
🥂 Food and welcome drinks included

Free to attend, please RSVP via Skiddle here.

Thank you for your support throughout 2025;  let’s raise a glass and celebrate the year together.

Join us for Preston Partnership’s November #InTheCity event, an opportunity for members and guests to meet and help shape the future of Preston.

We’ll be meeting at the stunning Harris Museum, which has recently reopened following its £19m refurbishment.

Our events provide a unique forum for members to:

• Engage in meaningful discussion around regeneration and economic development in Preston
• Discover upcoming projects and initiatives shaping the city’s future
• Network and build relationships over coffee and croissants in an inspiring setting

Date: Thursday November 20, 2025 | 8am to 10am
Location: Harris Museum (first floor), Preston

Agenda (speaker biographies below)

• Coffees, croissants and conversations (8am)
• Welcome (8.30am) – John Chesworth, chair, Preston Partnership
• Preston regeneration update from Cllr Valerie Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building Preston City Council
• New in Preston: The first in a new Q&A series with a business leader bringing something new to Preston – Carl Fraenkl-Rietti, operations director, Mad Giant
• The Preston debate: Our guest panel discussing what’s next for Preston – panel: Cllr Wise; Carl Fraenkl-Rietti; Gaby Ingham, Vault Youth Zone; John Bridge, Studio John Bridge.
• Update from Preston Partnership
• Networking (9.50am)

Registration details

• Member tickets: Free (members have received a code via email)
• Non-member tickets: £35

Book your place via our Eventbrite page here.

Not yet a PP member? Join Preston Partnership for just £100 per year and be part of shaping the city’s future.

Become a member here.

Speaker biographies

Gaby Ingham, The Vault

Gaby is head of fundraising and communications at Vault Youth Zone, a £11.8 million space opposite Preston Bus Station, supporting young people across the city. She’s passionate about creating places where young people can grow, meet mentors, and feel part of a community. She works with local businesses, community leaders and philanthropists to build partnerships that create opportunities and strengthen the city.

John Bridge, Studio John Bridge

Studio John Bridge is an architectural practice founded in 2014 by award-winning chartered architect John Bridge. Renowned for its innovative approach, the studio blends design excellence with a strong commitment to sustainability, community impact, and modern construction methodologies.

Recent successes include securing planning permission for the regeneration of Preston’s Harris Institute, a significant step in heritage-led design, and the co-designed Foxton Youth Centre, developed in partnership with young people from Avenham.

Cllr Valerie Wise, Preston City Council

Councillor Wise is Preston City Council’s labour member for Fishwick and Frenchwood, and the council’s cabinet member for Community Wealth Building.

She was the leader of Preston City Council between 1994 and 1995 and chair of the Women’s Committee from May 1982 until 1986, the first women’s committee in UK local government.

The Preston Living Wage Action Group is inviting likeminded organisations to celebrate Preston’s achievements as a Living Wage City.

Held at the newly refurbished Harris Museum, the event will celebrate successes to date and outline plans to increase the number of real Living Wage accredited employers in the city.

• Speakers include local accredited business leaders from Ethical Pixels and Believe Care & Support, and Sophie Little, Senior Programme Manager at the Living Wage Foundation.
• Attendees will hear from employers on the importance of committing to the Real Living Wage and how it benefits organisations and employees.

Refreshments and breakfast will be served from 8:30 am, with a Q&A session beginning at 9.00am, followed by a further opportunity for networking.

To support Preston-based SME business and voluntary organisations in Preston to accredit, Preston City Council has launched a small grants scheme to reimburse the fee charged by the Living Wage Foundation when accrediting. For more information and to check eligibility, visit our Living Wage accreditation grants scheme page.

Employers who accredit before the September 29 will be presented with their Living Wage Foundation plaque during the event – so don’t delay in taking advantage of this offer.

Businesses can register for the event here.

Date: October 15
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Location: The Media Factory, University of Lancashire, Preston

Rich Dyer and Stephen Turner have been there, done that. Their extensive experience owning and managing successful businesses that operate on national and global footprints – with HQs in Preston.

Join Preston Partnership for an informal discussion, hosted by Rob Binns, talking through their success stories and some of the challenges they have faced along the way. Take the opportunity to hear their experiences, ask questions and learn some of the valuable lessons they have picked up.

Network over light refreshments and drinks with other entrepreneurs, aspiring and established business owners.

This event is brought to you by Preston Partnership in collaboration with the University of Lancashire, sponsored by fhunded.

Space is limited so book your ticket now.

About Richard Dyer:

Richard Dyer is a British entrepreneur and co-founder of Skiddle, one of the UK’s leading event ticketing platforms. With over two decades in the live events industry, he has helped shape how fans discover and attend gigs, clubs, and festivals.

Beyond ticketing, Richard is involved in hospitality ventures including Trading Route in Manchester — a lager house and rotisserie kitchen — and Folk+Co, a co-working space in Lancaster. Balancing multiple businesses with family life, he’s known for his hands-on approach, creative ideas, and knack for spotting opportunities that bring people together through music, food, and community.

About Stephen Turner: