the situation in Iran and the Middle East, almost all the businesses quizzed revealed energy costs were impacting profitability.
The Federation of Small Businesses has also had its say, warning the outlook for small business growth is ‘bleak’ and calling on the government to keep an open mind about creating targeted business support for those most in need if the Middle East crisis continues to escalate.
Real funding. Real deals.
However, while they may be up against it on many fronts and subject to matters over which they have no control, Lancashire businesses remain determined to act on those things that are in their control.
Real decisions. Growing a business, planning an acquisition, or exploring investment? This is where you’ll learn how funding really works.
The banking crash, Brexit, the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We can now add to these the USA’s war with Iran when it comes to the lengthening list of global events that have taken their toll on Lancashire businesses.
Steve Bell Pierce
Martin Emmott Rosebud
Add to them domestic issues, such as the impact of National Insurance hikes on firms, and you could be forgiven for thinking Lancashire’s economic fortunes are at the mercy of headwinds and storms that it and its business community have little protection from.
Take energy costs, where the pressure is really mounting as a result of the actions of the administration in the White House. Then there is the spectre of rising inflation, again pumped up by happenings far away in The Gulf.
Derry Green Secret Garden Glamping Ben Smith Kingsley Asset Finance
Date: 17 June 2026 Time: 08.30-11.00 Venue: Village Hotel Blackpool
Brought to you by: Express your interest here In association with: Supported by:
The squeeze is on and it is being felt by Lancashire businesses in sectors that range from agriculture to logistics and hospitality, which, as we reported in our last issue, is very much up against it.
In that edition we spoke of the need for more support for that sector from the government,
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
Adam Varnom graphic designer
adam@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585
warning that resilience can only be stretched so far.
The situation, it seems, is not improving. A survey carried out by industry bodies UKHospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association, the British Institute of Innkeeping and Hospitality Ulster has revealed the damaging impact another year of significant cost increases will have on their members.
They say that as a direct result of April cost increases, 64 per cent of businesses will cut jobs and 51 per cent will cancel investment plans. Around one in seven venues will be forced to close.
The increasing cost of energy is also a significant concern. Even when surveyed before
Our Lancashire AI and Cybersecurity Summit, which we report on in this issue, heard from a range of businesses how they were harnessing the power of technology to drive productivity and move their operations forward at pace. They remain positive and determined to be at the cutting edge of this revolution.
And when it comes to the subject of energy costs and security – efficiency and sustainability have moved high up the agenda in business boardrooms across Lancashire.
As we reveal in our Net Zero feature, in 2026 energy isn’t just something managed in the background. It’s becoming a key part of how competitive and resilient our businesses are.
And on one final positive note, our Red Rose Award finalists and winners this year once again offered great examples of how Lancashire businesses are working every day to overcome challenges and become even better versions of themselves.
We continue to be amazed by their efforts and the positive attitude these great businesses and their teams bring to each working day. Take a look at this year’s roll of honour on page 65 and we’re sure you will be too.
While they may be up against it on many fronts,
Lancashire businesses remain determined to act on those things that are in their control
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
Abigail Swarbrick administrator
abigail@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295582
Paula Walsh finance assistant
paula@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 297870
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 and Adam Varnom.
Printers: Peter Scott Printers, Burnley
Northpoint Publishing East Park Lodge, East Park Road, Blackburn BB1 8DW
t: 01254 297870 ISSN: 1757-479X
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
