STRENGTHS
The strength of community in East Lancashire and the attitude of people to get on and get things done. We’ve certainly seen that in response to Covid-19. It is a warm place to do business and that shines through. People are willing to give you a chance and opportunities.
Richard Few, founder Sales Geek
This is a great place to set up and run a business. Its legendary workforce is unequalled in terms of adaptability, expertise and work ethic. With the quality of the people and talent we’ve got right here, I’m confident we can get through any crisis, learn from it, and move onwards and upwards. Another great thing we’ve got going for us is our manufacturing expertise.
Tony Grimshaw, director of What More UK
Being in East Lancashire is a huge benefit for our company, as it is where our industry started, we are the home of wallpaper printing. In the past there were 20-30 companies like ours around the Darwen area. This means we have wallpaper-skilled people to employ, and we currently employ 50. Good people are available due to the current circumstances, and it’s given us a business opportunity to take on.
James Watson, managing director, Surface Print (1838 Wallcoverings)
WEAKNESSES
We have a perception problem in East Lancashire. Those who live here know what a lovely place it is to live. We’re surrounded by amazing countryside you can get out to for a walk and fresh air, and the coast is only down the road. People think though that we’re all flat caps and cobbled streets, and although we’re proud of our heritage it’s a great place to live now, with a lot to offer. It’s an image problem, and we end up saying to people we’re based near Manchester.
Andrew Turner, managing director, Langtec
The pandemic has exposed vulnerability in supply chains and also the reliance of the area on its aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Government support for businesses, such as the jobs furlough scheme, will also stop at some point.
Jimmy King, managing director Pierce
OPPORTUNITIES We have the opportunity to change our purchasing strategy to support each other and rebuild our economy. The pandemic has made many companies question the effectiveness of global supply chains and their relationship with, for instance, China. A new focus on resilience: from ‘just in time’ to ‘just in case’ has prompted many to look closer to home.
If an item is vital, is it really wise to source it from the far east when a local
manufacturer can provide the same item? If you can buy it in Lancashire, buy it in Lancashire. Let’s keep as much money in our local economy first and foremost so that we can afford to be innovative and train local people in new careers and opportunities.
David Lenehan, managing director Northern Industrial
Attracting the younger generation into traditional industries, which includes investing in apprenticeships. Digital skills will always be a requirement too, as traditional businesses need to change with the times and invest in automated processes and Internet of Things to stay competitive.
Murray Dawson, chairman of Amazing Accrington
Although the Covid pandemic has had a significant negative impact on local businesses it has also created opportunities. Rossendale is keen to embrace the growing ‘green sector’ of the economy and supporting businesses focused on renewable energy and carbon reduction is a major opportunity.
Neil Shaw, chief executive Rossendale Borough council
It’s exciting that there are plans for 4,000 university students in Burnley by 2025. At VEKA, we have technical engineering capabilities, so it’s reassuring that we will have a graduate talent pool we can draw upon.
Neil Evans, managing director VEKA UK
THREATS
Manufacturing is the heart of East Lancashire and I’m concerned how the future will unfold. There are big implications for the aerospace industry as we learn what the general reaction to taking flights, even for business purposes, will be. Will video calling be the nail in the coffin for business travel?
Ken Shackleton, managing director, Cardboard Box Company
The key threats relate to the fragility of local small businesses. Although our recent business survey indicated that nearly two thirds
of businesses had confidence in the business environment the economic recovery is likely to stretch well into 2021 and possibly beyond.
The uncertainty of the duration of the Covid restrictions is a major short-term inhibitor to businesses planning their survival or recovery. It’s important that councils listen to these businesses and work with them where we can to help facilitate the recovery.
Neil Shaw, chief executive Rossendale Borough council
LANCASHIREBUSINESSVIEW.CO.UK
Amin Vepari business finance and scale-up lead, Lancashire County Council
@twozerolancs /company/twozerolancs
TWO ZERO SCALEUP AMBITION
At the start of 2020 many of us found ourselves raring to seize new opportunities and do great things. What followed was a long, unprecedented year.
It’s important, however, that we look for the pearls of positivity and build on achievements in the most challenging of times to give more substance and meaning to what we do going forward.
Despite last year’s challenges it was instrumental for Lancashire’s scaleup platform Two Zero. As 2020 started, we commenced an exciting journey to empower the county’s truly ambitious fast- growing companies while bringing a greater focus nationally on everything that is amazing about Lancashire’s diverse and vibrant economy.
We launched the Two Zero brand a year ago and introduced our online platforms including website and social media channels with a purpose and identity. During 2020 we also joined forces with The Scaleup Institute who operate nationally, promoting the scaleup theme and lobbying government on this important agenda.
We integrated ourselves within the Lancashire business support ecosystem, engaged with our target audience of scaleup companies and key stakeholders about what was needed and launched our three pilot programmes supporting Lancashire’s scaleups in partnership with our expert delivery partners.
Like any organisation we had to quickly adapt and pivot during 2020 as the effects of coronavirus were felt.. All our pilot programmes changed their delivery model to ensure business leaders received the support they needed. We also launched a new strand focusing on scaleup resurgence and we engaged with companies to amplify and share their stories.
We’re now reflecting on the progress we made last year and setting our ambitious goals for the next 12 months.
As we start 2021, Two Zero has some exciting developments and new programmes to further support Lancashire’s scaleup companies to go on and achieve even greater things. Watch this space!
Find out more on our website:
twozerolancs.com
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PENNINE LANCASHIRE
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