Preston Business

NEWSLETTER

The Harris appoints leading refit contractors

The £16m+ refurbishment of The Harris has taken another step forward with the appointment of a fit-out team to help cement the Museum's position as one of the region's leading visitor attractions and a contemporary cultural hub. The Harris Your Place fit-out team comprises BECK, Orbis, Four Agency Worldwide, Click Netherfield and Lancashire County Council's conservation team. The team will redefine the Museum's spaces using Ralph Applebaum Associates' (RAA) designs to enhance the visitor experience. The project is due to complete in early 2025. (Image credit: Planning and design by Ralph Appelbaum Associates).

Update on RAAC at the Guild Hall

Specialist RAAC engineers have now carried out an inspection of the city's Guild Hall and it has been confirmed that RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) is present in the roof panels of the Grand Hall and Charter Theatre venues within the building. Following national guidance and initial investigations by specialist structural engineers, both venues will remain closed and secured. Council teams are continuing to explore options to open the foyer space in the Guild Hall as a temporary, independent venue for smaller events catering for up to 500. The remainder of the Guild Hall, including the ground floor trading units and The Harris library remain open for business.

Preston People's Climate Jury appointed 

Local people representing the diverse make up of Preston have now been appointed to Preston People's Climate Jury. The members will meet over six weeks to hear from experts and work together to produce a report and recommendations which will drive action on climate change across the city. Keep informed about the jury's progress, including presentations from workshops, by visiting Preston City Council - People's Climate Jury.

Crave Marinades flying flag for Preston at tourism awards 

Congratulations to Karen Riley and her team at one of Preston's tastiest businesses. Crave Marinades was a finalist in the Taste Lancashire Producer category at this year's prestigious Lancashire Tourism Awards. Karen is "super proud to be a Prestonian" and feels like a winner with all the local support, especially on social media. Crave which makes a range of delicious, award winning marinades packed full of natural ingredients perfect for any diet, is based in one our Riversway Managed Workshops. If you want to join the success, there are a couple of units for lease. See Available Premises and there's more details in the next article.

Looking for business premises?

If you have a small business and are looking for premises, the Council owns Managed Workshops at Preston Docks, which could be just what you're looking for. Self-contained storage space is ideal for all kinds of enterprise, and there are currently a number of units available to let at Riversway Managed Workshops, off Chain Caul Way.

Digital Training boost for workers in Preston

Preston-based UK Skills Academy has won the contract to deliver a digital skills programme for city-wide businesses and working people in Preston. This is to encourage people to develop the digital literacy skills and knowledge needed in an increasingly digital world and to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their staff to adapt to, and benefit from, the digital workplace. This support is funded through Preston City Council’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme, and is open to Preston residents or employees working for Preston-based businesses. To find out more, contact UK Skills Academy. Pictured: back left to right, Sarah Threlfall, Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Community & Wellbeing, Preston City Council and Peter Griffiths, UKSPF Programme Manager. Front left to right UK Skills Academy Head of Funding Sue Taylor and CEO Gemma Beech.

Free Business Support for Preston businesses 

Preston City Council has invested nearly £2m of its £5m+ UK Shared Prosperity funding specifically to support local businesses. The money has been shared between six distinct projects that provide free advice and practical help for all types of companies, from newly registered sole traders to established small to medium-sized enterprises looking to grow. This help for local businesses supports the Council's Community Wealth Building commitment to create a resilient and better local economy for all.

Youth Zone Project News

The proposed Youth Zone project, in the heart of Preston's Harris Quarter, continues to progress, with the Appropriation of Rights for the land needed to allow for the development of the site. The state-of-the-art youth centre will provide young people with opportunities to engage in activities and access support from skilled youth workers, helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential. Expected to open in 2025, the Youth Zone will be located in the city centre on the corner of Crooked Lane and Tithebarn Street.

Youth Forum and Survey

The Preston Youth Forum is a collection of organisations from the VCSFE and public sector who want to work together to improve support available for young people. Engagement with the Preston Youth Forum is a fantastic opportunity for the young people of Preston to be given a voice, raise issues that are challenging them and get involved in delivering change. The Forum is developing a youth strategy for the city and want the views of young people. A questionnaire has been created by the Forum with young people - with questions they believe other young people should be asked. The consultation will close on 29th February 2024. Visit Have your say on our Youth Strategy.

Preston Volunteers

Preston City Council is getting behind new organisation Preston Volunteers thanks to funding from the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Funding.The Council already has a growing band of kind-hearted residents who help with litter-pick, support work clubs, garden and run events in local parks or even act as eyes and ears for the dog wardens for example. Preston Volunteers fills a much needed gap for an organisation to join up the supply and demand in one place. A new Preston Volunteers website lists volunteering opportunities (currently over 140) and you can also post requests.

Is starting a co-op right for you? 

Find out if your business or community enterprise idea suits the co op model with this informative, interactive and fun free session delivered by Co operative and Mutual Solutions in partnership with Co operatives on Saturday 9 March at The Mandala in Preston. All kinds of businesses operate as co‑ops. Businesses working in this way are also more than twice as likely to survive the early years of trading when compared to other start-up businesses. And don't forget to get in touch with our very own experts at the Preston Cooperative Development, a fabulous resource for all things cooperatives in Preston.

Check it out... Whether you are one of our fantastic businesses in the city or are looking to locate to Preston, take a look at our dedicated Invest Preston website. There are details of the latest developments and key projects shaping the city, business advice, support and funding available, plus keep up to date with networking events, tips, skills and training, and more... 

Keep up to date with the latest news easily on social media: 

X (Formerly Twitter) - @InvestInPreston 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-preston/ 

City roundup...ICYMI 

Delivery firm opens new parcel centre in Preston Logistics firm DX has opened a new 22,142 sq ft depot in Preston as it expands its parcel delivery network across the UK. Vacancies at DX Group careers. 

Lancashire Apprenticeship Awards 2024 nominations open Calling Preston businesses - reward your hard working apprentices by nominating them for an award. The closing date for nominations is 23 February with the awards ceremony taking place on 27 March. 

UCLan SPARK is a free matchmaking event for future degree apprentices and local industry employers to help you employ the best future talent. Taking place on 18 April.

Preston restaurant gains spot in renowned Michelin Guide Many congratulations to restaurant chef director Oli Martin and the team. Aven, named after Avenham Park, opened in October 2023, taking over from 263 on Camden Place. Aven also has three AA Rosettes bringing a dining experience "like no other" to Preston. To see why Preston is a fantastic foodie destination check out our vibrant and diverse food and drink places at Visit Preston - Food and Drink.

Start up in business course for women  As part of the Boost Business Lancashire start-up support programme, The Growing Club is running a fully funded start up course. Roots and Shoot is designed for women ready to start a small business. It starts in Preston on 26 March.  

EVAs Awards 2024 - Celebrate International Women's Day on 8 March with the launch of the 2024 Enterprise Vision Awards, the UK’s largest business awards dedicated solely to women. You can also find out more about the the EVAS and network with local businesses, sponsors, previous winners, this year's trailblazers and potential winners at free Information Events, face to face and online. We'd love to see some Preston winners!

See you there? - A few events and networking opportunities for your diary: Preston Partnership Update - #InTheCity event (22.2.24), Trading with Japan (23.2.24), Boost Business Support Clinic (29.2.24), February Breakfast Briefing for 2024 City Event Programme (29.2.24), Lancashire Business Expo 2024 (22.3.24).For all events see: Business events in Preston 2024.

Community Wealth Building - Find out what Preston City Council is doing for businesses and residents through its commitment to Community Wealth Building sometimes known as the Preston Model. We want people to trust, value and have pride in their city and their Council and our overall aim is to ensure that Preston is a growing, vibrant city with a thriving, fair economy. CWB is about creating a resilient and inclusive economy, promoting local growth, good health and wellbeing, and providing value to our communities. Read more at Community Wealth Building in action.

Cost of Living Support Hub - We have put together a Cost of Living Support Hub to help you find the help you need. You can also download a Help in Preston Cost of Living support leaflet from the online Hub.

At risk of redundancy or been made redundant? – If you have been made redundant or are at risk of redundancy there is support available to you. Check out the following links for help and advice. The Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub has a section for those who have been or are about to be made redundant with links to the the National Careers Service, Jobcentre Rapid Response Service, Skills Toolkit and Government advice. Please also visit the Help In Preston website for details of vacancies, volunteering and training opportunities. 

Join us at Preston City Council – We have a number of great opportunities for you to come and join our fabulous team at Preston City Council. Find out more about working for us and the range of jobs on offer at Jobs and Volunteering. 

Skills Bootcamps in Lancashire - Skills Bootcamps are funded intensive and flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector specific skills and fast track to an interview with a local employer. 

Contact us: invest@preston.gov.uk