28


LANCASHIRE LEADERS Rob Kelly


Date: 28 April 2026 Time: 08.30-11.00


Venue: Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa


Join decision-makers implementing AI and automation, and those considering their next steps.


Hear from business leaders and specialist practitioners on what is working, what is challenging, and how organisations are adopting new technologies while managing risk.


WANT TO ATTEND? REGISTER NOW!


SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS


Want to put your brand in front of key decision-makers?


For sponsorship and exhibition options, contact Joanne Hindley on 07442 949697 or joanne@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk


Brought to you by: A PLATFORM FOR CHANGE


Jane Cole’s half-century journey on public transport has taken her from Blackpool rail station announcer to Windsor Castle.


The leading figure in the transport sector has announced that she’s set to retire later this year after a successful career in trains, trams and buses.


Jane Cole joined Blackpool Transport as its managing director in 2015 and has driven major changes – collecting industry awards along the route.


She has also played a leading role in a wide range of transport and business organisations, including UKTram, the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board, the North West Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, and Confederation of Passenger Transport.


In February, Windsor Castle was the major stop on her impressive journey as she received her OBE from Princess Anne.


Jane’s career began on the railway, first with British Rail and later with Virgin Trains.


After joining the then nationalised railway at the age of 18, initially working as a clerk in the payroll department, Manchester-born Jane soon secured a new role at Blackpool North, with her tasks including making station announcements.


In association with:


A rapid rise through the ranks saw her take on senior leadership roles. She was quality manager for provincial and Inter-City services and an onboard manager before landing the


high-profile position of train services manager at London’s Euston Station.


Here she enjoyed one of the highlights of her career, meeting the Queen and other members of the Royal Family while managing the Royal Train.


Privatisation of the railways saw her join Richard Branson’s Virgin Trains in 1997, where she became regional manager for Anglo- Scotland services and later regional manager for Manchester and Liverpool services.


She says: “This really was a golden age, and I learnt so much from Richard Branson, his


tramway but things were still being managed in the old ways.”


Another challenge was the fact that Blackpool is a town of contrasts. It welcomes more 20 million visitors annually, but as well as peak holiday season there are quieter times.


Jane says: “I love that challenge and I call it managing chaos because no day is ever the same.


“I’m absolutely proud from a product point of view, that when there are events such as Lytham Proms people are walking away from


I had 17 years working as part of one of


the best rail operators in the county and we went from success to success.


commitment to finding innovative ways to put the customer experience first and the importance of building a work family around you that you can really trust.


“I had 17 years working as part of one of the best rail operators in the country and we went from success to success.”


The next stop on her business journey was Blackpool Transport. Her assignment was to keep the seaside town moving.


Changing the culture of the organisation played a key role, she explains: “There was a new


taxis and saying, ‘I didn’t realise these buses were so good.’”


The 65-year-old says being awarded an OBE was ‘humbling’. She says: “There’s a feelgood factor around the recognition. It’s down to the remarkable people that work with me, and that I’ve been surrounded by along the way.”


“I’m really going to miss all the people who work so hard to deliver the best possible bus and tram services on the Fylde Coast for residents and millions of tourists. It is certainly a very special place.”


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70