12


BAROMETER


IN ASSOCIATION WITH: UP


stalled developments to drive the economic growth of the county.


▲ Nelson-based communications firm Daisy has beaten its annual projections with a 56 per cent increase in revenues, up to £209m. This significant growth has been achieved through a combination of organic growth and the full-year impact of acquisitions including XLN, Communicate Better and Premier Choice Group.


▲ Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was given a guided tour of VEKA’s premises in Burnley where he learned more about the future of UK manufacturing. The tour was organised by Burnley MP and Lancashire Business View contributor Antony Higginbotham. The PM met with the board of directors to discuss UK manufacturing and the role that VEKA plays.


▲ Alasdair Jackson, chief executive of Recycling Lives, which puts a particular emphasis on providing opportunities for individuals leaving prison, has been honoured with an OBE for services to the rehabilitation of offenders. Andrew Pollock, the founder of the CLEVR Money credit union which helps residents across Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, Preston and Lancaster to avoid bad debt, has received an MBE for services to financial inclusion. Burnley’s John Norris, managing director of B&M Longworth has received an MBE for services to innovation, sustainability and international trade. David Short, group technology director of BAE Systems, has received an MBE for services to military capability. Chorley-born rugby star and Trinity Hospice chair Sir Bill Beaumont has received the highest award – the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) – for his contributions to both charity and sport.


▲ Morecambe-based Unique Kidz and Co, a charity which provides care for 187 disabled children, has submitted plans to further expand its facilities to help address its ever-growing waiting list. Designed by HPA Architects and landscape architect Laurel Truscott, the project includes an extension and reformation of the internal layout, as well as landscaping of its field and construction of additional play areas.


▲ The Secret Garden Glamping, based in Skelmersdale, has acquired La Mancha Hall in Halsall. The property, worth £1.8m, encompasses a Grade II listed house, 10 acres of woodland, paddocks and additional structures and outbuildings.


▲ Logistics firm DX has opened a new 22,142 sq ft depot in Preston as it expands its parcel delivery network across the UK. An initial 20 jobs have been created, with more to be recruited as the depot grows.


▲ Blackburn-based Vision Techniques has undergone a management buyout. Dave Smith,


an employee for more than 18 years, steps up to managing director from general manager and Sarah Taylor, with the business for more than nine years, transitions from finance manager to finance director.


▲ Caddick Developments has secured approval to deliver Phase Two of a new employment hub in Leyland. The first phase of Farington Park is now complete, with Victorian Plumbing letting 544,000 sq ft.


▲ Forsberg Services, which provides positioning, navigation and timing solutions for defence and civilian use, has been acquired by Norway-based Teleplan Globe AS for an undisclosed sum. Forsberg has been operating for over 35 years and from its base in Heysham serves customers in the UK and internationally.


▲ Preston-based accounting firm MHA Moore and Smalley has announced its intention to formally merge with MHA. The deal will create a nationwide audit, tax and advisory practice with 1,600 partners and staff operating from 21 offices.


▲ The 152-bedroom Hampton by Hilton Blackburn has announced a significant investment in solar power, installing a system featuring 124 Risen Energy 410W solar panels on its roof.


▲ Wrightcare Developments, a new arm of the Eric Wright Group, has had plans for its first development approved. Ribble Valley Council greenlit proposals for the two-wing, 68-bedroom care home on the site of the former Higher Standen Farm in Clitheroe.


▲ A 100,000 sq ft development at Lomeshaye Industrial Estate in Nelson which will house Limitless Digital Group can now be built after receiving £6.2m from the Lancashire Urban Development Fund. Managed by igloo Investment Management, the fund seeks to enable new industrial developments and unlock


▲ Lancaster University has received £12m investment from Research England to explore the ways in which maths and AI can be used together to solve real-world problems. University researchers will work closely with industrial and government partners across key sectors to deliver solutions across health, manufacturing, cyber security and environmental science.


▲ Lytham-based Lakeland Verandahs, the decking and fencing specialist, has secured a six-figure investment deal with NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance. The deal follows the firm experiencing 40 per cent year-on-year growth since its inception in 2008, and the funds will support new product development and launch of new ranges.


▲ The vacant upper floors at an iconic building next to Blackpool Tower could be converted into a hotel after the property was acquired by Nottingham developer ALB Group. The ground floor space will continue to be occupied by Poundland and Wetherspoons.


▲ Ownership of Viva, the Rawtenstall-based PR and marketing agency, has transferred to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). The move sees the majority share of the company’s equity sold into the legal trust on behalf of employees.


▲ ESP Play, the Burnley firm which designs, manufactures and installs equipment for playgrounds has recorded a 40 per cent increase in turnover, up to £9.1m. Over the last 12 months, ESP Play completed 712 projects, an increase over the 579 completed the year before.


▲ Lancaster University and IN4 Group have entered into a new partnership which will see the creation of 24 CyberFirst Gold Hubs. The hubs aim to give every young person access to world-class technology skills and employment. The first hubs will be created in Blackburn and Preston before being rolled out to each of the North West local authority areas.


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