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

Our final #InTheCity event of 2025 brought Preston Partnership members and guests together at the Harris Museum, newly reopened after a £19m refurbishment.

More than 80 people joined us at the event to reflect on a milestone year for the city and to look ahead to what comes next.

The Harris Museum project sits at the heart of Preston’s £200m Harris Quarter Regeneration Project. Delivery of this project was enabled through the £19m Towns Deal, secured with Preston Partnership’s backing and leadership of the Towns Deal Board.

2025 also saw the acclaimed opening of the Animate complex, home to the new Arc Cinema and a growing line-up of leading restaurants arriving in the city. Aminate is set to create more than 300 jobs and, like the Harris Museum restoration, was enabled through the Preston Partnership-led Towns Deal.

So, after a milestone year for Preston, what’s next?

Chaired by Preston Partnership Head of Business Development, Beckie Joyce, our event featured speakers including Cllr Valerie Wise (Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building Preston City Council), Carl Fraenkl-Rietti (Operations Director at The Mad Giant), and a panel with Gaby Ingham (Head of Fundraising and Communications, Vault Youth Zone) and John Bridge (Owner, Studio John Bridge Architects).

A new Economic Statement for Preston

Beckie revealed the final publication of Preston’s new Economic Statement, following Sarah Thompson (Associate Director, Metro Dynamics) presenting early findings at our July #InTheCity event.

Commissioned by Preston Partnership with support from Metro Dynamics and input from our membership, the statement sets out the opportunities than can drive investment and business growth.

Beckie highlighted key priorities in the report, including shared public and private sector leadership, an agreed approach and investment supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, maximising the opportunity presented by Preston being home to the National Cyber Force, and the creation of a new events and convention arena.

The full statement can be found here.

Preston update from Cllr Valerie Wise

Cllr Wise reaffirmed that 2025 had been a landmark year for Preston, marked by the opening of Animate and the reopening of Harris Museum. Looking ahead, she highlighted two major projects schedule for completion in 2026: the opening of Vault Youth Zone and the construction of the new £20m Old Tram Bridge, at the edge of Avenham Park.

She also pointed to the £9m+ regeneration of the Grade II-listed Amounderness House – another key part of part of the wider Harris Quarter project – as further evidence of the city’s momentum. The Amounderness House scheme will deliver 26 bespoke offices and studios alongside meeting and event space, with an anticipated opening in 2027.

Welcome to Preston, The Mad Giant

In a new feature for our #InTheCIty event, Beckie hosted our first ‘Welcome to Preston’ fireside chat. The inaugural guest was Carl Fraenkl-Rietti, Operations Director at The Mad Giant, the food hall that opened at Animate in September 2025.

Part of The Northern Lights Group, The Mad Giant has quickly built a strong following. Carl shared why Preston stood out as the right location. He said:

“It felt a city on the rise, and we’re seeing positive saturation in the Harris Quarter with the cinema and multiple restaurants increasing awareness and footfall. The reopening of the Harris has helped too.

“We’ve had confidence in Preston from day one. It’s a diverse community of students, professionals and local residents and The Mad Giant offer reflects that. Preston is evolving as a destination and people want an experience beyond a drink. We’ll be hosting live bands and musicians, which we feel will help the city’s cultural economy. Feedback so far has been extremely positive and we go into 2026 with optimism.”

The Preston glass is half full, and empty

The Preston debate focussed on what’s next for Preston. Beckie hosted a panel debate with Cllr Wise, Carl, John and Gaby.

John, founder and owner of John Bridge Studio shared his own story of building a business in the city. He said: “Being based in the city is important to me and our people. It adds a different dimension to our business and culture. We’ve been in Winckley Square, converted an old retail unit on Lune Street into an office, and now we’re on the edge of the Harris Quarter, overlooking the iconic bus station.

“There is a real buzz about being in the city, not just for our people but for visiting clients too. Having a coffee in one of the new places or trying a new restaurant helps build relationships. There are so many people in Preston that are willing to get involved and drive the city forward. Preston Partnership helps bring those people together.

Asked whether Preston is heading in the right direction, John replied: “It is but it’s not enough. Not having a modern arena for shows and events is holding us back immensely. It’s frustrating that we don’t seem to be making progress here. This has to be a priority.”

Cllr Valerie Wise added to the venue conversation. She said: “We know the city needs a venue and an event space, be that for conferences or other events, so it is a priority definitely to have one.”

Gaby underlined the importance of young people to Preston’s future. She said: “Around a quarter of Preston’s population is under 20, and this next generation will shape the city’s future.

“Vault sits right at the heart of community and regeneration. It brings together young people, local businesses, families and public services. And it will add value beyond the building itself. Throughout the week, we’ll bring hundreds of adults into the city for drop-off and collections, generating footfall for venues in the city.”

On what Preston needs to do next, Gaby added: “We need to leverage the power of our community. The Ptown Collective, another venture I am involved in, is a great example of local people coming together to create something good.

“Preston Partnership is doing a brilliant job of joining all the dots too. I’ve seen friends leave Preston for places like London and Munich but I want to stay and play my role in making Preston the best city it can be. I’m meeting so many people who share this passion.”

Carl echoed this sentiment: “We’ve been really impressed by how many active community groups there are in the city. We meet new ones all the time and ultimately it’s these people who create the buzz and visibility.”

Closing remarks

Beckie Joyce concluded: “It felt fitting to hold today’s event in the new Harris. The museum was founded by a Preston businessman, Edmund Harris, and many moons later it has been restored through a joint effort of the business community and the local authority.

“What’s come through strongly today is the community spirit driving Preston forward. The public sector can’t do everything alone and that’s where Preston Partnership and the private sector fits.

“2025 has been a pivotal year for Preston and we should be proud. But the big challenge now is how do we make every year a pivotal one for Preston?”

Preston Partnership and 2026

We’ll be revealing our 2026 event dates in January. If you would like to join the community of over 100 members working together to help Preston realise its potential, visit our join page and choose your membership package.

The £9m transformation of Preston’s historic Amounderness House into modern, flexible workspace is underway with work starting on site.

Maple Grove Developments (MGD), the development arm of Preston-based Eric Wright Group, is working with Preston City Council to transform Amounderness House, built in 1857 as a police station before becoming a magistrates court.

When complete, in June 2027, the Grade-II listed property will provide high-quality flexible workspace with 26 offices and four studios plus meeting and event space operated by Preston-based bespoke office space provider Wrkspace.

The start on site involves an enabling works package which will ready the building for delivery of the main contract. The works will be carried out by Eric Wright Construction and involve the disconnection of services, asbestos removal and the opening up of the interior of the building.

Plans to transform Amounderness House were designed by FWP Architects and submitted by S&L Planning Consultants on behalf of Preston City Council.

John Chesworth, chair of Preston’s Towns Fund Board and Preston Partnership, said: “On completion, Amounderness House will provide essential state-of-the-art facilities to many of the exciting and progressive start-up and established small businesses that make Preston the commercial capital of Lancashire.”

Cllr Valerie Wise, cabinet member for community wealth building with Preston City Council, added: “The start of work on site makes our plans to breathe new life into this treasured building a reality. We believe that Amounderness House will play a major role in supporting the growth of innovative local businesses by providing them with a tailor-made city centre hub.”

Nick Hague, project director at Maple Grove Developments (MGD), explained: “With our spades in the ground, MGD is proud to be part of the team bringing forward the restoration and refurbishment of this part of Preston’s history into high quality managed workspace, complementing the wider regeneration of the Harris Quarter.

“Delivery of this managed workspace will play a key role in supporting the further economic growth of central Preston with more opportunities for up-and-coming local businesses.”

Amounderness House is one of six major projects under Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, for which the City was awarded £20.9m from the Government’s Towns Fund in March 2021.

Harris Quarter is a unique area of Preston undergoing a £200m investment programme to transform its historic buildings, sites and public realm into a diverse culture, leisure and employment offering, with Amounderness House located beside the recently opened £45m+ Animate cinema and leisure destination.

The project team on Amounderness House includes FWP Architects, Preston-based S&L Planning Consultants, which submitted the application on behalf of Preston City Council, Cowburn-Watson Box, SCP Transport, Eden Heritage, E3P, TRP Consulting, and Graham Schofield Associates.

Rizwan Seth, managing director of Wrkspace and Preston Partnership board member, said: “Working alongside Maple Grove Developments and Preston City Council on this landmark scheme reflects our shared commitment to transforming and revitalising city centre spaces.

“The much-anticipated addition of Amounderness House to our successful and established network of seven Wrkspace business centres across Lancashire represents an exciting opportunity to support Preston’s burgeoning corporate community with flexible, high-quality, bespoke workspace.”

Last week, business owners, industry leaders and entrepreneurs gathered at the University of Lancashire’s Media Factory for the third instalment of Preston Partnership’s ‘Been There, Built That’ series.

The event was an inspiring evening with proud Prestonian Stephen Turner, chairman of Group55 and Preston-based business owner Richard Dyer, co-founder of ticket booking service Skiddle.

Stephen and Rich are two of Preston’s unsung heroes. While many business leaders may not know them, the majority will have used products that Stephen’s team has manufactured or booked tickets via Skiddle.

Growing business legacies

Stephen started Group55, which manufactures household, pet care, personal care and cosmetic products with just £700 in 1999.

Over the past 25 years, he has self-funded the growth of the business and built it into a £20m enterprise that employs a workforce of over 100. From its Lancashire-based site, Group55 manufactures for global brands, helps turn celebrities into entrepreneurs, and champions sustainable British manufacturing. Its products are used by over 10 million people in more than 100 countries.

Celebrating Skiddle’s 25th anniversary in 2026, Richard Dyer is another local powerhouse – operating one of the UK’s leading event ticketing platforms from a barn in Goosnargh.

The two panellists shared stories, anecdotes and lessons learned during their careers to date with host and Preston Partnership board member, Professor Robert Binns.

Bold moves and difficult decisions

While operating in extremely different sectors, both described the twists and turns they have taken over the years – resulting in the businesses evolving out of their original plans. Over the course of the conversation, Stephen and Richard reflected on brilliant hiring choices, bold moves and difficult decisions they have made.

They gave feedback on some of the challenges they have faced, including navigating the complications and changing landscape from the pandemic.

The event gave businesses insights they could relate to, regardless of their industry or phase in their own entrepreneurial journey. Attendees left with a sense of what it has been like for two successful business leaders to have ‘been there and built that’ from the heart of Lancashire.

Beauty in simplicity

Been There, Built That: Part 3 was hosted in partnership with the Centre for SME Enterprise and Development (University of Lancashire), and sponsored by fhunded.

Rory Southworth, investment ecosystem manager, fhunded said: “Been There, Built That is a simple and effective concept and we are thrilled to be sponsoring it.

“The beauty of these events are their simplicity – we have honest conversations with people who really have been there, built something and have experience to share. The frank conversations between successful business owners provides insight, reassurance and advice to entrepreneurs who are at an earlier stage of their journey.

“Early-stage investment can play a very important role, and these events foster a great environment to connect with founders and aspiring entrepreneurs.”

Professor Robert Binns, entrepreneur and Preston Partnership Board Member said: “The beauty of these events is their simplicity – we have honest conversations with people who really have been there, built something and have experience to share.

Upcoming events

For further information on Preston Partnership’s events programme, visit www.prestonpartnership.org/news-and-events/ and follow us on LinkedIn.

Join Preston Partnership

If you would like to join the community of over 100 members working together to help Preston realise its potential, visit our join page and choose your membership package.

Membership is £100 per year or £2,000 if you want to become a strategic partner.

Leaders of Preston Partnership have thrown their support behind proposals to create a new unitary authority bringing together Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire, as part of the government’s drive to streamline local government.

The call follows the UK Government’s English Devolution White Paper, published in late 2024, which sets out plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across England.

The review aims to replace two-tier council structures with fewer, larger unitary authorities, each serving around 500,000 residents by April 2028. Lancashire, home to 1.5 million people across 15 councils, is one area under review.

Leaders from the 15 councils are currently weighing up options that range from two to five unitary authorities. One option under review would see Preston City Council join forces with Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire councils to form a new authority.

This proposal has been endorsed by leaders of Preston Partnership, the business-led membership body representing more than 100 businesses. In a focus group and survey, held during the summer, over 90% of 50 Preston business leaders taking part backed the move.

John Chesworth, chair of Preston Partnership, said: “While the process is undoubtedly challenging, Lancashire must see local government reorganisation as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a structure that delivers greater economic development and more wealth for our residents and their communities.

“The government had made it clear that a streamlined local government structure will unlock greater investment and devolved powers. It’s vital that we respond decisively to secure the opportunities this will bring.

“The feedback from many of Preston Partnership’s members, as well as business leaders we have spoken to across Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire, is that it makes complete common sense for Preston to come together with our neighbours.

“The evidence also suggests they can work together. There is already a Central Lancashire Strategic Planning Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) in place and over the past decade, Preston, Chorley and South Ribble have created the Central Lancashire Local plan, which has mapped out a tri-district plan until 2041. The £434million City Deal, created by Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire County Council, is estimated to boost the local economy by £1billion.

Together, along with West Lancashire’s Local Plan, these areas have supported thousands of new homes, created major employment sites and created confidence at a scale no single district could have achieved alone.

“Through LGR, we have an opportunity to create a council that represents the actual economic and social footprint of our area. There is a good working framework there already to build on. The driver behind this process must be what’s best for the people and not what is politically expedient.”

Beckie Joyce of Preston Partnership added: “There is clear appetite across Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire to work as one. From the economy and transport to education and culture, these places are already deeply connected. Bringing them together reflects the way people, businesses and communities already live and operate. It’s an obvious and natural fit.

“Lancashire needs change. Fewer, more joined-up local authorities will provide a more sustainable Lancashire local government model, open up access to greater funding opportunities and enable more coherent policy making.

“Greater Manchester has shown how local areas can work together for the greater good, while still retaining their individual identities. This region continues to outperform other UK regions. This is the path Lancashire should follow.”

Lancashire residents, businesses and community groups are being invited to have their say on the different options through a dedicated survey. To take part in the survey visit givemyview.com/lancashirelgr.

Councils have until November 28, 2025 to submit their proposals to government.

Preston Partnership has finalised our 2025 / 26 events calendar.

We will delve into Preston’s leisure and residential markets, health and wellbeing in the city and a vision for Preston between June 2025 and May 2026.

Our events allow PP members to learn about upcoming projects, have their say on big Preston issues, and build relationships over coffee and a croissant. Events are free to PP members, £25 for non-members.

PP #InTheCity Q4-25 event | An economic plan for Preston
Thursday June 26 2025 | 8am-10am
One Co Work, Preston

PP #InTheCity Q4-25 event 
Thursday November 20 2025 | 8am-10am
Preston venue TBC

PP #InTheCity Q1-26 event 
Thursday February 26 2026 | 8am-10am
Preston venue TBC

PP #InTheCity Q2-26 event 
Thursday May 28 2026 | 8am-10am
Preston venue TBC

Membership is £100 per year. Join by visiting our website www.prestonpartnership.org.

Encounter Festival will return on Saturday, 20 September 2025, marking its tenth anniversary with its most ambitious programme yet.

Following a year of record engagement, plans are in place to create a Festival Village across the Harris Quarter, providing new opportunities for community involvement, and expanding Preston’s Torchlight Procession.

Since its pilot in 2015, Encounter Festival has grown significantly; attracting 47,000 visitors in 2024 and continuing its ambition to provide a platform for high-quality arts, performances, and community engagement. An application for Arts Council England funding has been submitted, with a decision expected in April, supporting plans to grow the festival’s scale and impact for audiences.

Record Engagement and a Growing Audience

Encounter Festival continues to reach new audiences, with nearly one in five visitors experiencing arts and culture for the first time and a growing number attending from outside of the city. The latest evaluation report highlights that the festival is diversifying its audience, with visitors in 2024 representing 16 of the 17 recognised ethnic identities, up from 11 the previous year.

Visitors described the festival as a ‘welcoming and inclusive space’ that brings communities together through shared experiences.

One attendee commented: “Amazing that a festival of that scale is in Preston; to be part of it was an amazing opportunity.”

The festival continues to create opportunities for artists, performers, and organisations, supporting local talent and attracting nationally recognised acts. Over 2,000 artists and performers participated in 2024, crediting Encounter Festival as an important platform for their development. Supporting young people is a core strand of the Encounter Festival programme. Last year, the festival collaborated with youth-centred organisation Blaze Arts.

An individual at Blaze commented on the success of the collaboration, stating that it gave “young people the chance to develop their production skills, event organising skills and project management”.

Exciting Plans for 2025

Encounter Festival’s tenth anniversary will provide an opportunity to build on its success and further strengthen its role as a key link between Preston’s cultural events, including the city’s historic Preston Guild celebrations.

The 2025 festival will take a major step forward, creating a Festival Village across The Harris Quarter, designed to encourage visitors to stay all day and into the evening. This will connect key locations across the city centre, providing spaces for live performances and interactive activities.

The Torchlight Procession will also expand, with more groups set to take part, making it the largest procession in the festival’s history. A dedicated programme will support new community groups and cultural organisations to get involved, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to inclusivity and participation.

Sarah Threlfall, Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Community & Wellbeing at Preston City Council said: “Encounter Festival continues to grow in impact and significance, bringing thousands of people into Preston’s city centre each year. As we approach the festival’s tenth anniversary, we look forward to developing an even stronger programme that reflects the city’s creativity, ambition, and diversity. We encourage local businesses, artists, and communities to get involved and help shape what promises to be a landmark event in 2025.”

The 2025 event programme will see Preston host a range of large-scale cultural events throughout the year, including, Preston Caribbean Carnival, Preston City Mela, and Preston Pride. Encounter Festival will continue to develop its programme in collaboration with local and national artists, providing even more opportunities for community participation and engagement.

Encounter Festival’s mission is to celebrate and nurture creativity, ambition, and community spirit in Preston and beyond. With its diverse programming and strong focus on local engagement, the festival is poised to continue its growth and success.

News courtesy of Preston City Council.