CONTENTS 40
The Big Interview Nick Park is animated. He’s talking about inspiring the next generation to follow in his footsteps from shy Preston schoolboy to multi-Oscar winning filmmaker. It’s a timely discussion given where he is sitting. The Harris in the city centre has undergone a £19m transformation and sits at the heart of a culture-led regeneration drive.
ISSUE 125 NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2025
Regulars
The Lancashire Business View
In View
Barometer Dealmakers LBV Hub
Appointments
Interviews The Big Interview:
Nick Park Lancashire Leaders:
Helen McVey Special Features Digital and AI
Built Environment
Summit Doing The Deal Sub36
In Depth Hotspots:
Blackpool The Guide to... Debt Recovery
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In View The increasing financial challenges of operating a professional football club have been laid bare by the outgoing chairman of Preston North End. Craig Hemmings wants a ‘complete financial reset’ of the beautiful game, warning the present model is not fit for purpose.
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Digital and AI We brought our panel of experts together from a wide range of sectors to discuss the AI and digital revolution. They shared their experiences of harnessing the power of AI and how the brave new digital world is altering the landscapes of the industries they operate in.
30
Dealmakers When it comes to plugging into funding for growth, Lancaster headquartered electric vehicle charge point management platform Fuuse is switched on. In October the business announced that it had raised a further £6m from existing investors on its journey towards profitability.
2026 CATEGORIES
AI and Tech Innovation Award NEW Built Environment Award Commitment to Skills Award
Creative Business Award NEW Customer Service Award
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54 54 52 Conferences and Events 62
Hotspots Blackpool continues to show towering ambition, not least in its vitally important tourism sector. We took a trip to the seaside on our latest hotspot tour and talked to business, education and local government leaders about the issues on their agendas and the changing face of the resort.
60
Sub36 The world of catering may have Preston’s globally famous ‘Spud Brothers’ but Lancashire’s fitness world has its own sibling powerhouse. Sam and Jack Marsh are the driving force at Jigsaw Fitness. And their entrepreneurial endeavours have been recognised by our Sub36 campaign.
62
Conferences and Events The conference and meetings industry is on the up. From large-scale conferences to local off-site days, awards events to weddings, Lancashire venues are back in demand as businesses and consumers invest in quality experiences and innovation drives fresh growth across the sector.
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IEW.CO.UK
Built Environment Lancashire’s Growth Plan and the role of the built environment in boosting the economy were at the heart of a summit organised by Lancashire Business View and attended by industry professionals. The ‘viability gap’ challenge facing projects also came under the microscope.
46
Doing the Deal Our dealmaking conversation centred on Private Equity and Venture Capital and their role in business growth and transformation. Our specially invited business leaders and advisors took part in a wide-ranging debate around ‘doing the deal’ and finding the right funding partner.
51
Lancashire Leaders Helen McVey is a passionate advocate for hospices and the need for fairer funding to support the care they deliver to the communities they serve. The chief executive of Pendleside Hospice is acutely aware of the growing financial pressures facing the sector.
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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