Welcome to the first Downtown bulletin of 2009, and a belated happy New Year to all our readers. Following an outstanding 2008, DPIB wanted to hit the ground running this year, and so we were delighted to be able to offer our members the opportunity of meeting Prime Minister Gordon Brown and a number of his cabinet colleagues at an event we hosted in Liverpool earlier in the month. This was the first of what we promise will be an exciting series of events for the year that will include the second annual Lancashire Business Week; the Lancashire Business Oscars; ‘Six in the City’ and much, much more. Enjoy the latest bulletin from the business club with attitude, and we hope to catch you at one of our networking events very soon.

The DPIB Chairman Frank McKenna offers his tips on how to network your way through the credit crunch. CLICK HERE for more.

Gordon Brown brought his cabinet to the North West earlier this month, and along with several of his cabinet colleagues, including Ed Balls, James Purnell and Hazel Blears, he attended a networking event co-hosted by Downtown, where he met over 100 of our members. The PM told us that he was determined to help businesses through the tough economic challenges that we face, and that financial support would be made available through the Northwest Development Agency and Business Link. He confirmed that public spending plans would go ahead, and that a further cash injection would be made into the banking system to ensure the future stability of the financial services sector.

The company that has signed up to be the flagship store for the £700 million Tithebarn regeneration scheme in Preston, has got off to a flying start in 2009. Department store John Lewis revealed that its sales are up 4% on the same time last year. The improvement has been driven by electrical and home technology, with sales up 14.7% amid strong demand for televisions, computers and cameras.

Celebrity chef Paul Heathcote has introduced his most successful product into his Winckley Square establishment. The restaurateur is rebranding the Chop House as ‘The Grill Room’ and is planning to make it part of the popular Olive Press eatery. Paul said that the change would secure the future success of his city centre location for the next twelve months.

Lancashire’s tourist industry has received a £20.6 million investment from the Northwest Development Agency, whose Director for Tourism James Berresford said: “ The NWDA is committed to supporting the regions visitor economy and this investment will ensure a strong climate of support for tourism during these challenging times. If we continue to invest in infrastructure, training, marketing our unique offer and, above all, maintain a quality value-for-money visitor experience, the North West can continue to develop its competitive advantage and capitalise on the increasing trend to holiday at home in the UK.”

Downtown Preston In Business are delighted to join companies such as Conlon Construction, Brabners Chaffe Street and Bonhams as new corporate sponsors of the National Football Museum. The Museum offer an unforgettable journey through the history of Football and currently displays a series of amazing nostalgic exhibitions. David Pearson, Museum general manager said “We are excited about working with Downtown Preston In Business and look forward to extending our relationship with Preston’s business community through their 2009 events programme.”

For further information on the National Football Museum, follow the link below

http://www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/pages/whatson/whatson.htm

DPIB member Conlon Construction has picked up two top national awards. The Preston firm won the SME of the year award from Constructing Excellence, recognised as one of the highest accolades in the construction industry sector. And Conlon were winners again, as the Federation of Master Builders presented them with the Investment in Workforce Training and Development Award.

The first Business Of The Month for 2009 is the winner of Downtown's 'Six In the City' Property Award, Marcus Worthington.

CLICK HERE for more.

Are your staff taking on second jobs to deal with money problems? DWF provide advice on how to make sure they maintain focus on their employment with you.

READ MORE

IN the third of a series of articles, Graham Gordon, partner and head of financial planning at Moore and Smalley Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, looks at the issues that face businesses and their owners at every stage of their life-cycle – from start-up to exit.

CLICK HERE for more

Lancashire Business View is the must-read magazine for commerce and industry in the region.

The January/February edition is available now, featuring an in-depth look at the engineering sector, an interview with Ribby Hall’s Paul Harrison and put the spotlight on the NWDA’s plans to fight the downturn. READ MORE

Freshfield director Michael Gregory, is 2009's first 'Be Our Guest'. READ MORE

Dine in style with excellent cuisine, delight in sumptuous wines and network with the best of them!

DPIB Members Receptions are a networking experience focussed on a more intimate gathering of Preston’s business leaders.
Places are deliberately limited so early booking is essential.

Date: Wednesday 25th February
Venue: Vintage
Time: 6.30 – 10.00
Cost: £25.00 + VAT (Includes ½ Bottle of wine)

BOOK NOW

We are delighted that David Taylor will be joining us as keynote speaker at our next Property & Enterprise Forum in March. David, vice chair of PNE, a former advisor to Deputy Prime Minister and Managing Director of David Taylor Partnership, will give and insight to current and proposed plans for the 2012 Preston Guild. Further details will be released soon.

Improve your business by joining Downtown Preston in Business. For the best networking events, dinners, conferences and seminars, get involved with the ‘business club with attitude’. CLICK HERE for further details.

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