of energy and ideas out there and we don’t want to miss anything. We want that difference to be visible, and we want people to feel that difference.”
Guest speaker Derry Green, founder of Secret Garden Glamping in Skelmersdale, shared his story of innovation, born out of adversity, to inspire the audience.
As the Covid lockdowns bit, his haulage business was at a standstill.
He said: “In those first few days of lockdown,
county, Andy MacNae said: “We’ve got this situation now as we are in fragmented local authority structures and hopefully in the future, we’ve got much more joined up decision making.
“In the meantime local leadership comes from everyone and the council’s role is to enable. When we talk about money, it is really investment by businesses that will change the game.”
Graham Shuttleworth said devolution was ‘the way forward’. “Devolution is vital to give us more control over our destiny to drive the region forward.”
Devolution is vital to give us more control over our destiny to drive the region forward
it was awful. I had no money coming in, I had nothing to do, I was stuck at home with two young children.”
What began as a backyard project of building a pod to entertain his children during lockdown evolved into one of the UK’s most successful glamping businesses. “We are the most viewed, most followed site in the country,” he said.
The business has opened sites in Devon and Cornwall and there are plans for more at home and overseas. His entrepreneurial vision for opening another site in Lancashire struck a chord with the audience, particularly when considering the local investments he has made.
He said: “If I could do another site in Lancashire, I would. We spent nearly £1m in Skelmersdale last year on local suppliers and producers.”
The event, hosted by Lancashire Business View’s Richard Slater, lived up to one of the council’s goals of shining the spotlight on success and ambition.
Graham Shuttleworth, from Ryder and Dutton and Rawtenstall Chamber of Commerce, is excited about the direction of travel.
He said: “There is momentum already and some fantastic businesses, and they’re already doing some great things. The council is doing a great job in bringing funds to the area.”
Heritage projects were also celebrated with The Whittaker Museum described as ‘a wonderful asset’.
Iain Taylor added: “It is a national portfolio organisation punching way above its weight in terms of collection, art installation, generating visits and trips.”
Turning attention to local government reorganisation, which is on the horizon for the
economicdevelopment@rossendalebc.gov.uk | 01706 217777 |
rossendale.gov.uk
Alyson Barnes said: “It might feel unsettling but it also presents real opportunities for the wider Pennine Lancashire family.
“We have shown we can work well with partnerships and that gives us a strong platform that any changes bring more investment, more influence and efficiency for our borough.
She added: “Businesses bring investment, ideas and jobs; community groups and residents bring energy, insight and passion.
“Our partners in health, transport, housing, and education bring resources and expertise. It’s when all these come together that Rossendale will move forward.”
Very much a team game, the future looks bright for Rossendale.
ROSSENDALE’S TRANSFORMATION FIVE KEY SCHEMES
Waterfoot Arts Town: Backed by a £200,000 investment, Waterfoot Arts Town will revitalise the town centre and conservation area with a new public square and vibrant arts initiatives.
Higher Deardengate Big Lamp Project: A £3m project forming part of the Haslingden 2040 Vision, aimed at restoring Haslingden’s heritage, revitalising the town centre.
Bacup Market: Backed by a multi- million-pound investment, the Bacup Market redevelopment will transform the town centre into a vibrant, flexible destination.
Rawtenstall Gyratory: A major infrastructure investment to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and enhance accessibility to create a safer, more efficient gateway.
Rawtenstall Market: A multi-million- pound investment to transform the market into a lively, sustainable destination showcasing local food, drink and independent retail .
2026 CATEGORIES
AI and Tech Innovation Award NEW Built Environment Award Commitment to Skills Award
Creative Business Award NEW Customer Service Award
Deal of the Year Award NEW Design Award Digital Award
Employer of the Year Award
Environmental, Social and Governance Award Export Award
Family Business Award Large Business Award Made in Lancashire Award Medium Business Award Micro Business Award New Business Award Not-for-profit Award
Professional Services Award Scale-Up Award Small Business Award
Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Award Transformation Award
Transport and Logistics Award LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
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