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. Thanks to all of you who attended our first ‘Sexy’ networking evening of the year last week. A great night was had by all at the fabulous Forum!  Included in this month’s bulletin, details of our next big event in March; nominations open for the inaugural Lancashire Business Oscars; Frank McKenna talks about the need for cities to have directly elected mayors; and architects Fish Associates feature as Business of the Month. There are also features from our corporate sponsors DWF and Moore & Smalley, plus a transport debate involving some of the regions key players, courtesy of Lancashire Business View. Read on and enjoy...

To succeed in the modern world of politics and economics
cities need a clear and determined strategic vision that a majority buy-in to with a figurehead driving forward its delivery.  Frank McKenna argues directly elected mayors could be the answer More...

PRESTON COLLEGE TO GET £80 MILLION MAKEOVER

Preston College have announced ambitious plans for an £80 million revamp of its St Vincent’s Road campus.  It is planned to have the brand new facilities open in time for the city’s Guild year celebrations in 2012, fast becoming a pivotal juncture in the regeneration of Preston.  Funding for the scheme will be generated through Government-backed funding via the Learning and Skills Council; and the college itself will raise a proportion of the funding through the sale of assets; as well as loans and grants.

Empty shops are ‘shrinking’ Preston City Centre, according to an article in the Lancashire Evening Post.  At a time when we are campaigning for a more rapid regeneration of the city centre this has to be worrying news for Preston.  As we reflected last month the economic uncertainty at the start of 2008 has not helped retail who are on the front-line when consumers are cautious.  Current problems in renting out units can also be explained by the Preston-specific issue of Tithebarn.  The project looms large over the future of Preston City Centre.  We know there is a commitment to deliver the project from Grosvenor and Lendlease but the lack of tangible action is adding to businesses caution and uncertainty. 

DPIB is collaborating with Preston accountancy firm, Moore and Smalley to launch Lancashire’s most comprehensive economic survey to date later this year.  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.  This promises to be an exciting project with a full and comprehensive report to be published towards the summer.  Expect a questionnaire to land on your desk!!

The stunning and lavish Stanley House Hotel will be the venue for the inaugural Lancashire Business Oscars Awards brought to you by Downtown Preston In Business, in association with the Northwest Development Agency. The Oscars ceremony promises to be an extravagant event celebrating the success and contribution of Lancashire’s leading business people and entrepreneurs. Have your say as to who you think deserves to be recognised. Simply visit the Awards page and submit your nominations from the seven categories listed. You have just over a month to submit your nominations as online voting will commence on Wednesday 2nd April.

To submit your nominations please CLICK HERE

We hear that the new owners of Miller Arcade have some exciting and ambitious plans for the building.  Purchased for £8.6 million by Kilmartin and The Bluemantle Group the arcade which currently has 12 outlets is to be refurbished in the short-term.  Speaking in the local press about their longer-terms ambitions the owners have a vision to make the arcade ‘upmarket’ that will turn it into a high quality retail and residential development.  DPIB Chairman, Frank McKenna said “The plans for the Miller arcade development should be warmly welcomed.  It is exactly what Preston needs to help kickstart a vibrant and thriving city centre with an emerging night-time economy.”

Fish Associates, architects and designers, was established in 1998 and has recently expanded into Preston.  Over the past decade the company has developed a reputation for work in housing/commercial development, education and healthcare throughout the North West of England.  We have consistently received awards and won design competitions for our work.  We provide innovative and creative solutions which exceed our clients aspirations and objectives. 

Design skills and inspiration are combined with practical common sense to provide ‘tailor-made’ solutions for each project.  We work with a diverse range of clients from small local practices and community groups to multi-national companies on projects both large and small throughout the UK

Registrations for the next Property Forum have been flooding in over the past week.  If you have yet to register then please do so soon to avoid disappointment.  The first Lancashire Property Forum of 2008 is themed ‘Build for the Guild’ with leading entrepreneurs and developers offering their vision on how Preston might look in 2012.  In conversation with DPIB Chairman, Frank McKenna, leading Preston entrepreneur Steve Jackson will talk about how the city can develop an enterprise culture and a night-time economy.

Representatives from leading property development company Faisaltex will present their vision for an iconic city centre building and there will be contributions from DWF and Moore & Smalley.

To register your attendance please CLICK HERE

On the 29 May 2008 Downtown Preston In Business, in association with the Northwest Development Agency, will be hosting the inaugural Lancashire Business Oscars at the stunning Stanley House.  This is a prestigious black tie event that will recognise and award the achievements of individuals at the forefront of the Lancashire Business community.

To register your attendance please CLICK HERE

As the end of the financial year approaches, now is the perfect time to review your personal financial affairs and plan for the future.

Time is running out to boost your investments and keep precious pounds from the taxman’s grasp before the end of the current tax year on April 5.

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Ageist job adverts are putting companies at risk

By Jon Keeble, employment Partner at DWF in Preston

It’s now well over a year since age discrimination was outlawed in the workplace, yet many employers are still falling foul of the rules.

A recent survey of 200 advertisements by DWF found that 21 per cent were potentially ‘ageist’, while 33 per cent could be viewed as discriminatory, whether on grounds of age, sex or disability.

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With more vehicles on the roads than ever before, congestion is becoming a major problem for business and industry. Lancashire Business View brought together some key professionals at KPMG’s offices in Preston to look at the impact congestion is having on the county’s economy and discuss ways of keeping traffic flowing more freely. 

To read a comprehensive debate then please CLICK HERE

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 details.