Welcome to the latest DPIB bulletin, bringing you a smattering of news and views from the North West’s newest business club about the North West’s newest city. 

There is plenty to digest in this month’s newsletter including voting for the Lancashire Business Oscars which has now begun in earnest; we can announce the Government Minister who will launch Lancashire Business Week; Frank McKenna talks about how mayoral campaigns can increase interest in elections and Business of the Month goes to Dickson Haslam. 

In our regular columns corporate sponsors Moore & Smalley talk about wealth management, DWF discuss the implications of corporate manslaughter and Lancashire Business View takes a look at the aviation  Lancashire’s aviation industry. 

Read on enjoy....

Frank McKenna discusses how the clash of personality in politics could be a boon for getting people interested in politics once again and how this needs to start with introducing mayors into our cities.

Just in case it has passed you by the local elections are in full swing and you will be asked to go to the polls on Thursday 1st May. You may have had the odd leaflet through your door or some odd political activist has interrupted your early evening viewing of Coronation Street or Eastenders.

Read more.

GIVING THE COUNTY'S BUSINESS THEIR SAY! - LANCASHIRE BUSINESS SURVEY

The most comprehensive business survey in Lancashire is underway.  Over 500 leading firms in the county have been sent a copy of the survey that is being carried out by DPIB in collaboration with Preston accountancy firm, Moore and Smalley and the North West Development Agency. 

The Lancashire Business Survey will collate information and gauge opinions from owner-managers across the County as we aim to unearth the true picture of the Lancashire economy in 2008 and how confident the business community is for the future. 

To have your say please go to www.downtownpreston.com to download a copy of the survey.

Downtown Preston In Business is delighted to announce that Cabinet Minister, Rt. Hon James Purnell MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions will give the keynote speech for Lancashire Business Week.  He will be speaking at the launch of the Lancashire Business Survey event on Monday 2 June at Vincent’s at Preston College.

‘The awards nominations for the inaugural Lancashire Business Oscars to held at Stanley House on Thursday 29 May has been announced covering 8 awards.  The awards categories are to celebrate the contribution of individuals to the success and enterprise of Lancashire’s business community.

Voting for the event has now begun.  To ensure your favourite nominees stand a chance of winning then make sure you cast your votes before

The awards categories are for young entrepreneur of the year; business journalist of the year; best downtown bar/restaurant; professional of the year; best business advisor; property professional; female sexy networker and male sexy networker. 

Click here for the comprehensive list of nominees.

Downtown Preston In Business host the Six in the City awards that recognise the work of businesses.  The 2008 Six In The City awards will take place in October.

Downtown Preston In Business Chairman Frank McKenna has been appointed a non-executive director of Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 

The post will be a four year term in which Frank will be responsible for overseeing the management of the hospital trust which has a an annual turnover in the region of £150 million with approximately 4000 staff.  The hospital provides specialist treatment across the whole of the North West of England.

There were concerns that Grosvenor’s announcement of a £48.8 million loss for the company could affect the future plans for the Tithebarn development in Preston City Centre.  However, in-coming Group Chief Executive, Mark Preston, has said “Nothing to do with what is happening in Liverpool makes any difference to Preston, indeed we have made some great strides with Preston in recent months.”

The losses were attributed to the £1 billion Liverpool Shopping Centre development that has been hit by the fluctuations and instability within the commercial property market.  Mr Preston went on to say that they anticipate putting in a planning application for the development in the summer and that their “commitment to Preston remains as strong as ever.” 

In further developments, there are promises that the project will not be held up by any bats.  Experts have been checking loft spaces in the premises identified for demolition.  This is all part of the ‘environmental surveys’ being carried out, which has seen bore holes being drilled to check on archaeological and geological situation underneath the 30 acre site.

We are being assured that either uncertain commercial property markets or the bat population will stop the Grosvenor/Lend Lease joint venture on Tithebarn from going ahead.

Salya Homes have put forward plans for a nine storey building on the site of car park on Avenham Street.  A major city centre development will include nearly 300 apartments on top of 13 shops.  The development would be located on the edge of the Tithebarn project, which adds to the vision of building a vibrant and modern city centre.  It is generally accepted there is a desperate need to get more people living in the city centre.  This type of development will be at the forefront of a new vision for Preston City Centre.

Development on this car park site does create specific transport challenges with the potential loss of up to 600 parking spaces at the heart of the city’s commercial area.  Residents are increasingly frustrated by commuters parking outside their homes.  Parking issues must be resolved as more and more companies are enticed into Preston  as a business location with the new central business district.

Preston College have turned the former NWDA office on Winckley Street into a top draw business facility offering meeting and conference space for businesses within Preston.  Philippa Ward, business development manager, of the centre “this is an opportunity to provide business-focused training and facilities within the hear of the business community.

DPIB recently held a Lancashire Property Forum event at the business centre.  We had very positive and encouraging feedback on the venue from our delegates.  For more information on the new facility then please visit the City Business Centre website at www.cbcpreston.com.  We are sure that Philippa Ward and her team will prove to be very helpful if you are looking for a team away day or similar events.

Companies face manslaughter charge over road deaths.  Keith Melling of law firm DWF explains why the new corporate manslaughter rules will affect businesses of all types

Workplace deaths are not something you would associate with the average office environment. Read more

Moore and Smalley Chartered Accountants break £10 million barrier

A NEW £10 million accountancy firm has been created following the merger between Blackpool based firm, Moore and Smalley, and Lonsdale & Partners.  Moore and Smalley, which has offices in Preston, Blackpool and Castle Donington, has joined forces with Lancaster, Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale-based, Lonsdale & Partners.

Read more

The Second World War played a transformational role in the Lancashire economy and left a legacy that endures to this day. Whole industries were moved out of the South East and Midlands to escape Hitler’s relentless bombing raids.

Lancashire’s aerospace industry, in particular, owes its world class pedigree to the accident of geography that led to aircraft factories being build throughout the county. Read more

Dickson Haslam Solicitors in Lancashire are the longest-established and continuously practising law firm in Preston, Lytham and the Fylde Coast.

Founded in 1797 we have a long history of providing high quality, yet hands-on professional expertise.

We are a forward-thinking practice with many high-profile commercial clients, our philosophy embraces the traditional values of professionalism, hard work, attention to detail, and a determination to support our client with the very best legal advice. Read more

There are only a few tables remaining for this year’s black tie event of the year, the Lancashire Business Oscars at Stanley House on Thursday 29 May.  A huge number of people are voting online for their preferred nominees to help them hopefully win an award.  If you want to buy tickets or a table for the event then please hurry to avoid being disappointed.  Visit the registration page by clicking here.

As you read this more and more speakers are signing-up to present at the 2008 Lancashire Business Week event brought to you by Downtown Preston In Business. 

We have James Purnell MP giving the keynote address that will launch the week with entrepreneurs.

UCLan will be putting on the final event of the Rise and Shine Networking seminar series on Tuesday 6th May.  The third session is entitled Your Network, Your Business, the Way Forward.  These invigorating morning networking sessions promise to be informative, eventful and fun.  They provide insight into why networking is so important for your business and how it can be a valuable tool when used correctly. 

DPIB is the fastest growing business club in Lancashire, with our membership including premier companies such as Conlon Construction, DWF, Moore & Smalley, Freshfield, Faiseltex, Tesco, Taylor Patterson and many more. Improve your business by joining Downtown Preston In Business! CLICK HERE for membership details.