The chairman of a Preston business club wants the two-tier local government system to strengthen the city. Frank McKenna, of Downtown Preston In Business (DPIB), said "clear working" between Preston Council and Lancashire County Council was essential to the successful regeneration of the city.
The former county council deputy leader said DPIB would act as "a critical friend" to the authorities which divide responsibilities for the city's services.
Mr McKenna said: "The problem we have got is that we have a county council that has to have a balanced view across the county.
"It does not necessarily hold the view that Preston should be at the hub. My view and that of the private sector in Preston is that if you have a strong city then that has a positive impact right across Lancashire.
"There is a ripple effect which is seen in outlying towns and districts around Manchester and Liverpool."
Mr McKenna was speaking at the first ever 'Six in the City' awards ceremony which saw more than 200 members of the local business community attend a dinner at Preston North End's Deepdale stadium.
The winners were:
Financial and Professional Services Award: Taylor Patterson Associates Ltd
Marketing and Media Professional Award: Andrew Calvert – Lancashire Business View
Food and Leisure Award: Heathcotes
Best Newcomer Award: Osiris Enforcement Ltd
Best Business Award: Liquid Plastics.
Property Award: Conlon Construction Ltd
Chairman's Award: Booths Supermarkets
Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the North West Development Agency, was at the event.
Booths supermarket chairman Edwin Booth gave a unique Chairman's Award acceptance speech by finishing off with a song.
Mr McKenna said he hoped the awards would become a "permanent fixture" in the calendar of the local business community.
Last Updated: 01 October 2007 9:12 AM
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