CONTENTS 16
The Big Interview The Hall family’s battle to salvage their business from the inferno that had engulfed it began even as firefighters continued to dampen down the wreckage. A blaze at Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses’ Longridge office and packing operation in November 2023 saw it razed to the ground. A £15m fightback in the form of a new state-of-the-art facility has received a royal seal of approval.
ISSUE 127 MARCH/APRIL 2026
Regulars
The Lancashire Business View
In View
Looking back Barometer Dealmakers
Lancashire Leaders Regional Focus Sub36
LBV Hub Appointments
Interviews The Big Interview:
04 06 13 14 22 28 35 64 66 68
16
Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses Special Features
Women in Business Rosebud at 40 Property
Red Rose Awards
Finalists Debate
Creative Skills and Training
In Depth Doing the Deal
Business Essentials
Pensions and Retirement 36 Business Growth Landlords and Tenants
55
40 44
44 25
Skills and Training Youth unemployment is rising nationally. Meanwhile, worrying figures show the number of 16-18-year-olds starting apprenticeships in the county has fallen by more than 40 per cent. Against that backdrop we brought education providers and employers together.
50
Property Best known for their petrol forecourt empire, Blackburn’s Issa brothers continue to forge new frontiers in property. In December their property investment business, Monte Blackburn, submitted its latest plans to create a new industrial and logistics development in Preston.
58
Red Rose Finalists It’s that time of the year when we come together to celebrate the achievements of successful businesses across Lancashire at the much-anticipated Red Rose Awards. As part of our annual showcase, here is an insight into some of the 2026 finalists in their own words.
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06
In View Hospitality is straining under the weight of large-scale tax rises over the course of the last two Budgets. Hikes in national insurance contributions and the national minimum wage, coupled with business rate increases are taking their toll on operations already under pressure.
22
Dealmakers In America it is called the ‘retro sneaker craze’ and it’s the reason why a Japanese business backed by legendary investor Warren Buffett set its eyes on a Rossendale family business. Gola, the iconic 121-year-old British heritage sportswear brand, proved to be a valuable proposition.
28
Lancashire leaders Jane Cole’s half-century journey on public transport has taken her from Blackpool rail station announcer to Windsor Castle. Blackpool Transport’s retiring managing director looks back at her career in the transport industry and the lessons in leadership she has learned.
Business View Opportunities to raise your profile with 50,000 readers include:
▸ Business Essentials: Wills and Probate Relevant for legal advisors, tax specialists, wealth managers and advisors.
30
Women in Business When it comes to gender equality in Lancashire’s boardrooms worrying new statistics reveal there is still much work to be done. Just over 21 per cent of directors in the county’s 100 most profitable SMEs are women, the figures compiled for Lancashire Business View have revealed.
35
Regional Focus Phil Riley, the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, describes Lancashire’s devolution progress as the start of a journey of catch- up. Just how much ground has to be covered was highlighted by recent investment announcements made in Greater Manchester by its mayor Andy Burnham.
40
Creative roundtable With budgets being squeezed and the continuing onward march of AI, it seemed timely to bring together experts from in-house teams, the agency world and service buyers to examine the marketing landscape in Lancashire and how the sector is adapting in a time of change.
▸ Business Growth: Franchising and Licensing
Relevant for franchise experts, legal advisors and funding and financial specialists.
For advertising opportunities please contact Joanne Hindley on 07442 949697 or email
joanne@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk
exposure
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