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. Included in this month’s bulletin, a chance for you to make nominations for DPIB’s first major awards dinner. We look back at our latest ‘sexy networking’ evening. Leading PR firm, Freshfield, feature as our ‘Business of the Month’. Frank McKenna looks at the potential impact proposals to close a number of churches in Preston may have, and there’s much more. Read on and enjoy…

We have been delighted at the positive response we have had from the Lancashire business community since formally launching DPIB in May. Those of you who have expressed an interest in joining ‘the business club with attitude’ will be receiving your membership packs through August, when our DPIB website will also be revamped, and fully operational.

DPIB Chairman Frank McKenna expresses his concern at the news that some of Preston’s best-known churches may be closed. READ MORE

You can read Frank’s weekly Blog at http://www.prestoncitizen.co.uk/blogs/frankmckenna/

Amadeus Property and Development has unveiled plans for a major regeneration scheme, at the Preston gateway site of Fox Street and Corporation Street. The project will include a 126 bed hotel, retail, bar and restaurant facilities and high quality apartments. Amadeus Director Tim Mulholland commented: “ This scheme will add another dimension to the continued regeneration of Preston, providing a landmark building on this prominent corner site.”

A £1.6 billion blueprint for the Lancashire economy has been launched at a special event at Ribbey Hall Conference Centre. The Lancashire Economic Strategy aims to help create up to 50,000 new jobs by the end of the decade. CLICK HERE to view the document.

The Northwest Development Agency has announced over £1 million of funding to provide loans of between £3,000 and £30,000 to new and established small businesses in Lancashire. NWDA Chief Executive Steve Broomhead said: “ An increasing number of start-up and small businesses with viable growth plans are unable to raise finance needed because of lack of security or track record. It is crucial for the future economy of the region that these businesses have the opportunity to develop to the point that banks will finance their future growth plans.”

University graduates who study in Preston are some of the most employable in the UK according to new figures. Statistics published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency show that Lancashire students are some of the most sought-after in the jobs market. UCLan Deputy Vice-Chancellor Patrick McGhee commented: “These figures are very encouraging. As an institution we will continue to produce graduates who leave with a high quality academic degree and possess the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive career market.” He added that the new £15 million Media Factory at Maudland Bank will also house units for fledgling businesses.

Australian developer Lend Lease, who are involved in the building of the London Olympic Village, are set to partner Grosvenor in the Tithebarn regeneration project, which is now expected to cost £700 million to complete. Town Hall chiefs are still optimistic that all the details required getting the scheme up and running will be in place by the end of the summer.

Adam Hosker, the Lancashire car salesman who appeared on the latest series of BBC One’s ‘The Apprentice’ shared his experiences with the 100 plus people who attended DPIB’s second ‘Sexy Networking’ evening, at The Chop House earlier this month. Adam, who is now employed by Rossendale based I.T. Team Solutions, gave a candid account of his time alongside Sir Alan Sugar and the other Apprentice hopefuls. CLICK HERE to view the gallery from the event.

Freshfield PR are one of the leading Public Relations companies in the region, handling accounts for a range of major Lancashire companies, including Moore & Smalley, Yorkshire Bank and DPIB! CLICK HERE to read more.

Last month we asked if you support the idea of a Business Improvement District for Preston. Over 70% of you think it would be a positive move. CLICK HERE for results

Do you think that the proposed Business Improvement District in Preston City Centre is a good idea? CLICK HERE to vote

Book your places now for what is sure to be one of THE business events of the year! DPIB, in association with the Northwest Development Agency, DWF Solicitors and Moore & Smalley, are hosting the inaugural ‘Six In The City’ awards dinner on Thursday 27th September. CLICK HERE to reserve your place at what promises to be a fantastic event, which is also supported by UCLan, the Lancashire Evening Post and the North West Society of Chartered Accountants. And you can nominate your favourite Lancashire companies for an award by CLICKING HERE

Due to a ‘double booking’ for our Keynote speaker David Taylor, the first ‘Lancashire Property Forum’ will now take place on Wednesday 10th October 2007, venue to be confirmed. The purpose of the forum is to bring together public sector regeneration agencies and companies involved in the economic development of the county. Many apologies for any inconvenience caused to those who had registered for the original date in September. CLICK HERE to register for the new date.

Be one of the first Companies to join Preston’s ‘business club with attitude’. CLICK HERE for details.