Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Thank Frank It’s Friday. We have a packed newsletter this week, with the latest members news and regular features Man of the Week and Hot In The City. Our main news story shows how one entrepreneur is hoping to reduce illegal dumping by producing his own range of recycled products. Read on, enjoy, have a great weekend, and don’t do anything Frank wouldn’t do…

A Preston entrepreneur is hoping to prevent illegal dumping of plastic by launching a range of products made from what has been labelled ‘ethical recycling.’

Steve Jackson, the millionaire businessman who founded Recycling Lives, is to begin manufacture of a new range including tiles and kitchen surfaces, made from glass and low-grade plastic.

He told the Lancashire Evening Post: "Lower quality recyclate such as plastic bottles or the front panels of televisions or computers are a problem waste.

"When they are shipped abroad they are often either illegally landfilled or manufactured by people in low-paid jobs.

"If we can take some of that material away we will be offering a more ethical solution."

The Downtown Chairman discusses how the recession has affected football clubs.

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2010’s Preston Beer Festival kicks off with evening sessions on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 March (7pm - 11pm) and carries on into the weekend with an extended session on Saturday 20 March (12 noon - 11pm) and Sunday 21 March (1pm – 3pm). Plenty of time to get your laughing tackle round the beers on offer!
 
Beer of the year will be judged at the launch of the festival by a panel of Lancashire’s finest beer boffins, including none other than Lancashire Life Editor, Roger Borrell.
 
Support your local community at The 17th Annual Preston Beer Festival from 18 – 21 March 2010 at St Walburge’s Church Hall, Weston Street, Preston.
 
Use your keg!
 
Sponsor a barrel at just £80 and your business can put some cheer back into the community while ensuring survival of one of Preston’s greatest landmarks!
 
We’ll even throw in £15 of beer vouchers for you to enjoy a tasty tipple and some food vouchers so you can drink more!
 
For further information or to express your interest contact Becky Steel at prestonbeerfestival2010@yahoo.co.uk.

Luke Watson, managing director of Fulwood renewable energy company GB Energy, has warned that the country is running out of time to win the battle with ‘a looming energy crisis.’

Mr Watson was speaking to the Lancashire Evening Post after regulator Ofgem warned that millions of pounds of investment is needed to maintain energy supplies. He said he feared household bills could increase to as much as £4,000 a year.

He said: "The maths is simple; less energy equals less cost, so why are we not moving more in that direction?"

The University's Harris Bursary Ball
Saturday 15 May 2010
Table for ten £500 or individual bookings £55 per head
 
This special charity ball has been organised in support of the University's Harris Bursary Fund. A performance by Impressionist Jon Culshaw will form part of the evening entertainment, and rugby legend Bill Beaumont will feature as after dinner speaker.
 
This unique event not only supports a worthy cause but also provides an excellent opportunity for corporate entertaining or socialising with friends and acquaintances.
 
To book a table, place an advert in the programme, donate an auction or raffle prize or book a sponsorship package, or for more information on getting involved, contact Tania on 01772 892385 or email TCallagher@uclan.ac.uk

Ribble Valley distribution specialist OBAS has become the latest company to join Downtown Preston In Business.

OBAS Group was founded two years ago by entrepreneur Norman Tenray. With a range of more than 17,000 products, OBAS is a major supplier to the plumbing, building and decorating industries and has an impressive customer base throughout the UK and Ireland in excess of 26,000.

The Longridge company recently announced three new senior appointments, of financial director, sales director and commercial director, and there are plans to float the business on the stock market in the future.

Welcome to DPIB!

Lancashire entrepreneur Martin Higginson, owner of Lancaster based NetPlay TV, has hit the headlines after announcing his company has signed a two year deal with Scottish broadcaster STV.

The news follows an earlier deal for the growing company with broadcaster Channel Five, last year.

Not exactly sure what the point of this site is, but it certainly looks the business.

http://www.screenvader.com/root.html

The newly refurbished Angelo’s Ristorante Bar and Grill, Avenham Street, Preston, offers something for everyone with classic Italian dishes and contemporary cuisine. The venue is open all day from 12 noon Monday to Saturday and is ideal for business or pleasure.

Taking place at Vintage on Thursday 18th Feb. Register now and join us for what is guaranteed to be another great Downtown event.

REGISTER HERE

Name: Teg Roberts

Company: mbmc Ltd

Position: Managing Director

Football Team: Manchester City, PNE & Colwyn Bay

Brown or Cameron: Cameron

Favourite Lancashire Bar/Restaurant: Cartford Inn

What’s your Tipple: Draught Bitter and Bloody Mary (Not in the same glass)

Favourite Band: Rush

Top Tune: Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley

Favourite Book: Aesops Fables

Favourite Movie: Roadhouse

Who would play you in a film: Oliver Reed

Favourite TV Programme: Spooks

Most visited website: Facebook

Celebrity Crush: Mariah Carey

Interesting Fact about you: Whilst working in Kuwait I was interviewed by Radio Cymru (in Welsh) about the attacks between Iraq and Kuwait in 1998.

Why Downtown:  Business networking will only work if you are willing to put in as much as you want out, DPIB are very well connected and put you with the people that you need to know, I look forward to working with and meeting new people.