CONTENTS 24 The Big Interview
Long before the rainbow flags began to fly with pride above his hometown, Basil Newby was out there, loud and proud. For more than four decades he has been striving to change attitudes. Behind the showbiz glitter is a harder story of resilience, of challenges in the face of prejudice and of determination not to give in. In many ways it mirrors that of Blackpool.
ISSUE 124 SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2025
Regulars
The Lancashire Business View
In View
Barometer Dealmakers LBV Hub
Appointments
Interviews The Big Interview:
Basil Newby Lancashire Leaders:
Professor Andrew Schofield Special Features Low Carbon
Tourism and Leisure SME Toolkit Sub36
In Depth Hotspots:
Preston Manufacturing
The Guide to... Recruiting
Corporate Christmas
Debate Hospitality
Manufacturing
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In View Sealing a multi-billion pound deal to supply Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey will ease some concerns. It will enable the final assembly line for the aircraft at BAE Systems’ Warton plant to restart and will be welcome news for the programme’s supply chain in the county.
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Low Carbon The government has vowed to cut red tape and make changes to the planning system to make it easier for sustainable energy projects to get off the drawing board. We look to see what that will mean for projects in Lancashire, including plans for a major onshore wind farm near Rossendale.
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Hotspots Our tour of the county brings us to Preston. The city is hoping its new £45m cinema and leisure destination will act as a catalyst for more regeneration and revival. We take a look at what’s in store in terms of future investment and the impact those plans may have on the local economy.
in association with
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Dealmakers Entrepreneur Oliver Alcock aims to open the right doors for business owners who are looking to find the exit as he strides forward in the opposite direction. We talk to the new owner of The Printed Cup Company about the strategy that he has adopted to build his business portfolio.
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Sector Focus In this look at tourism, we talk to two key players. Kate Shane, managing director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, is leading the resort’s vitally important sector into a new era. Meanwhile, John Pye has been tasked with delivering the £100m Eden Project in Morecambe.
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Hospitality Debate Hospitality and leisure businesses in Lancashire are looking for welcoming signs that the industry’s challenges are being recognised by the government. We brought our panel of experts together to discuss the health of the sector and its future direction of travel.
NEW CATEGORIES FOR 2026
AI AND TECH INNOVATION
CREATIVE BUSINESS DEAL OF THE YEAR
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SME Toolkit Small businesses remain the backbone of Lancashire’s economy. The proof can be found in our annual Hot 100 list of the most profitable. Our latest business toolkit offers advice to SMEs as they seek growth, touching on subjects including investment and the importance of support.
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Sub36 We’ve put the spotlight on up-and- coming young business talent – the future leaders who are already delivering results for organisations across the county. They are determined to make their voice heard and committed to making a difference. Meet some members of ‘The Now Generation’.
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Manufacturing Our latest Insight feature looks at manufacturing – a traditional strength of Lancashire’s economy. We discover that our manufacturers are feeling the heat. Skills shortages, increases in labour and material costs and cheaper overseas competition are among their challenges.
LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK Deadline: 5 December 2025
redroseawards.co.uk @redroseawards #RRA26
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