Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Thank Frank It’s Friday. We bring you the usual features Hot in the City and Man of the Week, plus the latest news from DPIB members. It would be wrong to gloss over the problems hitting the Tithebarn project, so this week we take a look at the latest news. Enjoy the latest TFI, have a great weekend and don't do anything Frank wouldn't do...

Barely a month goes by when TFI doesn’t feature a story about the Tithebarn project.

This week we have heard how six neighbouring authorities have apparently formed a consortium in a bid to object to the multi-million pound development which is so vital to Preston’s future.

Leader of Preston City Council, Ken Hudson, has picked out Blackburn as the ringleader of the group, and called the situation ‘ridiculous.’

The councils are set to fight the scheme at a public inquiry, due to start in May with a decision expected by the end of the year.

After 'Bullygate', Downtown Chairman Frank McKenna shares his views.

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The search is on to find the region's top business leaders who would like to play a role in nurturing, guiding and developing talent in business communities across England's North West.

As part of its recently launched Mentoring programme, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is seeking business leaders with the 'M' Factor - the ability and desire to become a mentor for a small business in order to help develop the next generation of leaders in the region.

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Following on from their award by Wyre Borough Council, for the Built in Excellence of the Booths store in Garstang, Preston based mbmc ltd have been nominated for the LABC North West Building Awards under the category of Best Large Commercial Development to be presented at the Reebok Arena, Bolton on 14th May 2010.

Web www.labcawards.org

Inspired ale - drink & donate!

This year’s 4-day event aims to drum up as much support as possible from our punters, who will be raising their glasses to ensure the survival of Preston’s finest building - St Walburge’s Church!

Don’t be shy in showing your support. There’s lots of ways you can get involved, from sponsoring a barrel to joining us for a pint. Keep up-to-date with what’s on our ale agenda for 2010 on www.prestonbeerfestival.co.uk

It's not too late to sponsor a keg for £80 and advertise your business to almost 2,000 people for more information contact Becky Steel at prestonbeerfestival2010@yahoo.co.uk

Following on from the success of the two Manchester restaurants EastZEast has swung open its doors in Preston. EastZEast is Preston’s new home of Punjab cuisine.

EastZEast has been delighting customers from all around Lancashire and further afield. Come and see for yourself why EastZEast Preston is making so many waves!

For reservations call 01772 200084

Quentin Davies, the Government’s minister for defence equipment and support, has praised the work of the North West aerospace sector during a visit to Preston. It is nice to see a Government minister visiting the North West at all, let alone heaping praise on the region and seeing the work being done by this vital part of the economy. Mr Davies was visiting to open the new office of the North West Aerospace Alliance, in Bamber Bridge.

The developer of this site says he put his thoughts into reality. It actually is pretty good fun, and utterly wacky.

Try out the imagination link! http://www.neave.com/imagination

http://www.neave.com

An update from last week's trivialpursuitexperiment.com

It turns out women are smarter than men!

Trattoria San Marco, situated between Preston and Southport, is a former pub which has undergone a £1.8 million rejuvenation. Serving Italian cuisine with a modern twist, this venue is perfect for social or business occasions. www.sanmarcopreston.com

Join DPIB for the first Members Reception of 2010. Taking place at East Z East, this is one dinner you will most definitely not want to miss.

COST: £25.00 + VAT per person, inc 3 course meal and half a bottle of wine.

Date: Thursday 25th March
Time: 6.30pm - 9.00pm
Venue: East Z East

REGISTER NOW

SPONSORED by
The Lancashire Magazine
 
Sunday 21st March 2010
Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel, Preston
11.00am - 3.00pm
 
VIP 'Cruise Cocktail' Reception
By Invitation Only

Click Here - For More Information and to Request Your Invitation

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Name: Angela Peat

Company: Champion

Position: Administration

Football Team: Manchester United – even though Roy Keane left

Brown or Cameron: Brown, though I can’t see much difference really

Favourite Lancashire Bar/Restaurant: The Dog & Partridge, Friargate

Favourite Tipple: Cider and Blackcurrant (or wine and soda if I’m being ‘good’)

Favourite Band: The Levellers

Top Tune: Anything from Evita

Favourite Book: Bless the Beasts and Children – Glendon Swarthout

Favourite Movie: Escape from Sobibor/The Hitcher – both with Rutger Hauer – say no more!

Who would play you in a film: Probably Kathy Bates from Misery

Favourite TV Programme: Lost

Most Visited Website: Play.com

Celebrity Crush: Johnny Depp in Benny and Joon

Interesting fact about you: I once (many years ago!) touched David Essex’s thumb whilst getting his autograph.

Why Downtown: Lots of interesting and up to date news from the local area