4


Eden Project


recruit and retain the very best talent we have. It is the one challenge we hear the most about and there’s no doubt it will remain high on the agenda this year.


If there’s one word that we hope to be writing a lot in the columns of this magazine throughout 2026 it is ‘stability’.


From the point of view of business there has just not been enough of it about in the past few years.


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Continued conflict in Europe, Trump’s tariffs, the negative impact of government Budget decisions, energy costs and the continued hangovers from Brexit and the pandemic made 2025 another difficult year for Lancashire businesses.


That need for a sense of stability is just one of the items on the wish lists of the Lancashire business leaders who have peered into their crystal balls for our look ahead to the next 12 months, which features in the pages of this edition.


They are acutely aware of the challenges facing their organisations and sectors but there is also a great sense of optimism when it comes to Lancashire’s fortunes.


They point to initiatives like the Lancashire Growth Plan with its £20bn pipeline of infrastructure investment and major developments.


Richard Slater publisher richard@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295584


Ged Henderson editor editor@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585


Abbey Coates operations and events director abbey@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585


Anna King


senior administrator anna@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295582


Paula Walsh finance assistant paula@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 297870


There is also a rising sense of anticipation when it comes to the positive impact National Cyber Force’s arrival at Samlesbury and the emerging Eden Morecambe project will have.


Our business leaders are committed to harnessing the power of AI and digital technologies to streamline processes and to enhance their capabilities. That work is set to accelerate this year as businesses of all sizes get to grips with the opportunities opening up for them.


Investment in skills is another area that


Closer to home, Lancashire Business View begins its third decade of serving the county’s business community.


And once again we begin the year with our commitment to deliver even more for our readers and advertisers and to shout even louder about the county, its innovation, work-ethic and appetite for growth.


Whether we get the stability we want or not, 2026 will be another interesting year for business in Lancashire.


Whether we get the stability we want


or not, 2026 will be another interesting year for business in Lancashire


there is real focus on as we begin 2026. Our apprenticeship guide in this issue highlights the valuable work being delivered by trainers and educators across Lancashire.


If the county is to fulfil its potential it needs to


Joanne Hindley sales director joanne@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585


Rob Kelly multimedia journalist rob@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 297870


Farah Cheema marketing lead farah@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295587


Adam Varnom graphic designer adam@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585


And we’ll be playing our part in the life of the county – listening to, informing, supporting and connecting businesses large and small. That’s our job and as proud Lancastrians we’re delighted to do it.


Lancashire Business View is written, designed and produced in Lancashire by Northpoint Publishing.


Lancashire Business View and LBV are registered trademarks.


The views expressed by our columnists are not necessarily shared by Lancashire Business View.


Photography: Clive Lawrence, Paul Adams, Liz Henson Photography.


Printers: Peter Scott Printers, Burnley


Northpoint Publishing East Park Lodge, East Park Road, Blackburn BB1 8DW


t: 01254 297870 ISSN: 1757-479X


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