Preston Business

NEWSLETTER

The Harris unveils new space celebrating diversity and identity

The new look First Floor Balcony is the latest space to be unveiled by The Harris as part of its ambitious £16 million Harris Your Place project. The balcony area has been redesigned to immerse visitors in a blend of library services, art and museum collections. Central to the vision is a dynamic display of portraits, sculptures, and historical artefacts curated to delve into the themes of identity and belonging, providing an authentic space for Preston community groups to share their stories. The Harris currently operates from alternative local spaces with exciting plans for pop-up exhibitions and events in 2024, building anticipation for the grand reopening in 2025.

Preston in the spotlight

If you haven't had chance yet to read this, there's a great article about everything Preston in the March/April edition of Lancashire Business View. Catch up with news of the Station Quarter, plans for Grade A office space and more development news.

Preston Youth Zone appoints Chief Executive 

Proud Prestonian, Tim Jacques, has been appointed Chief Executive (CEO) of Preston Youth Zone after a 37 year career in the police. Tim, who has lived in Preston most of his life, attending the then St Cuthbert Mayne High School and Newman College, has become the charity’s first CEO. Set to open in 2025, Preston Youth Zone will be located in the city centre on the corner of Crooked Lane and Tithebarn Street.

Boost Flying Start: Starting a new business in Preston?

Got an idea for a new business but have lots of questions to ask? The Flying Start Team at Boost Lancashire will be holding a practical workshop in Preston on Monday 15 April to talk you through the basics of starting a new company. You’ll learn step-by-step skills to take the idea from paper to reality, giving you the best possible chance of it being successful and sustainable. This support is funded through Preston City Council’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme. If you missed booking on to this, you can still contact the Flying Start Team at Boost Business Lancashire at any time.

Launch of Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II

The British Business Bank has launched its new Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, a £660m fund set to cover the entire North of England. The fund will provide loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m. It will provide funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment, helping to break down barriers in access to finance. Preston and Lancashire businesses can find out more from Boost's Access to Finance team.

Innovation in the City

On 18 April, the Preston Partnership will host its second #InTheCity event of 2024. This is open to members and guests from the private and public sector passionate to discuss and shape the future of Preston. The event will shine the spotlight on innovation and how Preston can step up to take advantage of transformational projects such as National Cyber Force locating at Samlesbury. Have you booked your place?

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.

OneCoWork Workspace Launch

OneCoWork is looking to revolutionise the workspace experience in Preston. The leading Spanish workspace company is celebrating the grand opening of its first UK, and Preston’s newest and most innovative office space, on 25 April 2024. Located in the picturesque Winckley Square in the heart of the city, OneCoWork offers premium working environments whether you are on your own for a day visit or once a week or you require a private office for your entire team. The launch is an opportunity to tour the facilities, connect with fellow innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals from various industries and enjoy some tasty refreshments. If you can't make it to the launch event, but are still interested in exploring the space, OneCoWork would be happy to arrange a private tour for you. 

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.

Chew's Yard to reopen 

Chew’s Yard will be opening on Thursday 2nd May 2024 at midday! From then they will be open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Sign up to the Chew's Yard newsletter for your chance to win a £50 voucher to spend on the opening weekend!  Chew’s Yard offers a great food and drink hall featuring a host of independent traders, event space and beautiful landscaped garden courtyard. Find them at Market Street West.

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 

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.

New funding secures UCLan Degree Apprenticeships - funding of £480,639 for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years will enable the University of Central Lancashire to offer a range of additional apprenticeships in health, engineering and cybersecurity.

Farleys’ Legendary St Patrick’s Day Event Supports Cash for Kids – Lancashire law firm Farleys Solicitors has been holding its annual St Patrick’s Day fundraiser for more than 15 years. This year’s event saw £7,480 raised for Cash for Kids through an auction and raffle. A total which will be topped up by the Farleys Foundation to make an £8,700 donation to the charity. Farleys Solicitors Preston branch is in Winckley Square, dubbed as the city's "legal quarter".

Spring Business Breakfast Networking Event -  UCLan’s centre for SME & Enterprise Development invites you to join them at their next Business Breakfast event on 25 April 2024. They have some excellent speakers lined up for you and you'll be able to network with the business community and expand your connections. 

EVAs don't forget to nominate - Know any amazing women in business? The EVAs, the UK's largest Business Awards for women, are the ultimate platform to honour trailblazing women who are shaping the future of business. From local artisans to global icons, the awards acknowledge the diverse brilliance of female entrepreneurs. PS you can nominate yourself.

See you there? - Events and networking opportunities for your diary.

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