STAR RISES IN TOWN CENTRE
Karen Tems Director, The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
Karen Tems
REPUTATION GROWS WITH CONSISTENCY
AND NETWORKS For many businesses, networking is all about generating new sales leads that turn into contracts. But if you’re expecting a full order book by the end of lunch, you’ll likely be disappointed.
Star Academies is set to anchor a £45m landmark regeneration scheme in Blackburn town centre.
Plans have been revealed for the national multi- academy trust to occupy the first building of the proposed Star Square development, a key part of the town centre masterplan.
That first phase will lay the foundations for three additional buildings that will complete the wider scheme.
Once complete, Star Academies’ new national headquarters will be located at 1 Star Square.
The education provider operates almost 40 primary and secondary schools nationally and is widely recognised for high performance in its classrooms and high-profile initiatives.
It runs the Tauheedul Islamic Boys and Girls Schools in Blackburn, as well as Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, The Olive School in Blackburn, and The Valley in Bacup.
The University of Lancashire, formerly known as University of Central Lancashire, had been looking to take on the anchor tenant role but has now formally withdrawn from the project citing well documented prevailing financial pressures in the university sector.
Currently based at Shadsworth Road in Blackburn, Star Academies says its new purpose-built headquarters will serve as a national hub for educational leadership, training and professional development.
Proposals include a 200-seat lecture theatre, training rooms, flexible workspaces, meeting rooms and a recording studio.
Kam Kothia, who chairs the Star Academies Trust, said: “Star Academies was born in Blackburn and, as we have grown into a national organisation, this town’s spirit, its people and its potential have driven everything we do, and now we are proud to invest that belief back into its future.
“The first building at Star Square represents a truly momentous milestone – part of an inspiring civic and economic hub in the heart of the town that will bring new opportunities, attract investment and help drive long-term renewal.
“Establishing our new headquarters here is a powerful statement of our commitment to the community that shaped us. Star Square will stand as a lasting legacy for Blackburn,
benefiting local people, businesses and the wider regional economy for many years to come.”
The announcement came just weeks after it was confirmed that work is set to begin on transforming the neighbouring St John’s Church into a creative business hub, supporting investment in the borough’s growing digital and cyber economy.
Developer Maple Grove has also secured a 12-month exclusivity agreement for the former Thwaites Brewery site opposite, after presenting a ‘significant and credible’ redevelopment proposal to council chiefs.
All three projects form part of the wider Blackburn Business Innovation District.
Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We are already incredibly proud that our borough is home to Star Academies and the visionary work it delivers for children and young people, both here and across the country.
“This marks an important next step – supporting the trust’s growth ambitions while helping to drive our wider plans for the town centre, bringing more people into the heart of Blackburn to strengthen both the daytime and evening economy.
“This scheme is central to our £250m vision for the town centre and our wider £1bn ambition for Blackburn with Darwen and we have already secured £20m of government funding to support delivery, alongside a further £2m from the Lancashire Combined County Authority.”
Progression of the Star Academies proposals will be subject to Department for Education approvals. Subject to that approval, an updated planning application will then be submitted, followed by the appointment of a contractor for the main build.
Building work is scheduled for early next year, once the go-ahead is given, with the project completing in 2028.
Under the deal, the building will be sold to Star Academies for £10.3m, a figure independently confirmed by an external valuer.
The council and the education trust have begun identifying strategic partners for the other three buildings, which together will form a major new hub for knowledge, research, innovation and creativity at the heart of the town centre.
LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
So, what’s going on? Why do we turn up? How do I explain my time out of the office if I’m not coming straight back with a stack of hot leads after every meeting?
The reality is that there’s something else happening when you are in a good networking environment that is even more powerful than any single contract opportunity.
Winning worthwhile work – the big stuff – is a long-term approach. And it’s not just about turning up in hope. It’s about building reputation.
Reputation isn’t built solely through marketing or social media posts. It’s built in conversations. It’s built when someone can confidently say your name in response to the question: “Do you know anyone who could help with this?”
When you consistently show up, take an interest in others and follow through on what you promise, people begin to form an impression of you. Not just what you do, but who you are. Reliable, professional, approachable. Trust is the currency of reputation. And trust comes from consistency.
Show up regularly and you remain front of mind. Disappear for long stretches and you become a distant memory. Reputation builds gradually, through small, positive interactions over time.
Strong networks don’t just create opportunities. They create advocates. And advocates are what turn reputation into business.
The Business Network Central & East
Lancashire hosts a variety of networking events at quality venues across Lancashire. To find out more, go to
www.bncel.co.uk.
entering and nominating Find out more here
about sponsoring,
Awards 2026
Venue: Park Hall Resort and Spa
Date: Friday
October 16 2026 Entries open soon
Sub36 is the platform for emerging business talent aged under 36
13
IN VIEW
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 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
