Dr Paul Redmond
Lisa O’Loughlin and Phil Wilkinson
2026 CATEGORIES
ELLG’s footprint now spans Pendle, Hyndburn, Rossendale, the Ribble Valley, Burnley, Blackburn and wider Lancashire, reaching deep into communities that have long been underrepresented in higher-level skills.
The group’s £5m investment over the past 18 months has transformed its facilities in engineering, health, digital and construction, creating Industry Innovation Hubs where employers and learners collaborate to close the skills gap and build the future workforce.
But its impact goes beyond infrastructure. ELLG acts as an anchor institution, raising aspirations while driving prosperity. It works in collaboration with employers to co-design and co-deliver programmes, ensuring that education evolves alongside the industries it serves.
PARTNERSHIP AT THE HEART OF PROGRESS
Partnership was the unifying theme of the employer launch, chaired by Lancashire Business View’s Richard Slater, who described the rebrand as a movement built on collaboration, pride and belief.
Phil Wilkinson, chair of governors, called on guests to sign the Lancashire Champions Pledge, symbolising their commitment to regional growth. He described East
Lancashire as a place defined by resilience, innovation and reinvention, and said ELLG’s mission is to channel that spirit into a shared strategy for skills and opportunity.
Panel discussions reinforced the message: trust, honesty and communication are the foundation of effective partnership. From NHS East Lancashire to Accrington Stanley Women’s Football Club, local employers spoke of the real challenges of recruitment and retention – and of how collaboration with ELLG can make a difference.
Guests at the employer event also heard from author and keynote speaker Dr Paul Redmond who talked about the multigenerational workforce, and the changing workplace.
Lisa said education is a four-way partnership in the learner journey: parents, the learner, employers, and the college, and the group is playing their part by driving co-creation of skills with local and national employers and aligning skills development with growing sectors.
A REGIONAL VOICE WITH NATIONAL INFLUENCE
ELLG’s role extends beyond East Lancashire. It plays an active part in the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub and the Combined Authority’s Skills Advisory Board, aligning education with local economic priorities.
www.eastlancslearning.ac.uk LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
The group’s national influence is also growing. Lisa sits on the national Curriculum and Assessment Reform (CAAR) Panel, ensuring that East Lancashire’s voice is heard in government-level decision-making. ELLG’s appointment as a national lead for teaching excellence in technical education, alongside peers such as the University of Lancashire and Myerscough College, reinforces its reputation as a trusted partner in policy and practice.
A CALL TO EMPLOYERS: BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT
The launch ended with a clear call to action: collaboration must now translate into commitment. Employers were urged to engage with the group’s industry boards, offer placements and apprenticeships, and contribute directly to curriculum design.
For Lisa, this is about shared responsibility. “Today is not just a launch, this is a commitment – to our learners, to our employers, and to our communities. We’ll continue to stand for excellence, inclusivity and opportunity. And we’ll do it together.”
As ELLG begins this new chapter, its message to employers across Lancashire is simple: the future of skills and growth will be built in partnership. For every business that believes in East Lancashire’s potential, now is the time to get involved.
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
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