Advancing his argument for an elected mayor, he says: “I’m coming at this from a business and economic perspective. How can we not be doing this when it is losing us £1.4m a day?”
He has come to that figure by examining the economic impact of the South Yorkshire mayoral authority since the election of Oliver Coppard, one of the lowest profile mayors nationally, and he reels off a list of funding support that area has received.
It is a list that includes a £1.5bn investment into its transport system by central government, nearly £160m allocated to back local infrastructure and the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and a £2m grant the authority has given Rolls-Royce to unlock a £19m investment by the aero-engine giant in Rotherham’s advanced manufacturing capability.
Mo adds: “We are in danger of really getting left behind. This is as stark as it gets.”
Speaking of the new prime minister, who he worked with when Burnham was Greater Manchester mayor, Mo believes the new incumbent in Downing Street will look to mayoral authorities he can trust to deliver ‘a return on his investment’, because he will see them as a safer bet.
And he shares his fear that in a competitive inward investment environment the county will lose out to areas reaping the benefits of the deepening relationship between Whitehall and the mayors – even raising the spectre of businesses departing Lancashire, tempted by what those parts of the country can offer.
The idea of an elected mayor for Lancashire has long been a divisive subject in the county’s local politics. The result has been what has been called a ‘Level Two Devolution Deal’ – a Combined County Authority (CCA), bringing with it less cash and powers than the agreements reached between central government and the mayoral authorities.
The debate seems to be continuing to rumble on in Lancashire, even while neighbouring Cumbria and Cheshire and Warrington, work towards their mayoral elections in 2028.
The CCA is a partnership between Lancashire County Council and the unitary authorities of Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool.
Stephen Atkinson, the Reform leader at County Hall, was quoted in the local media in August declaring he will not agree to a directly elected mayor until the government sets out exactly what the financial benefits may be.
Lancashire is built on innovation
and industry. The reality is that today we are in a state of inertia, and that’s a dangerous place to be
He said: “We will not go any further with this until we understand what the funding is and whether it is going to cost Lancashire residents more money without any reward.”
His stance is in stark contrast to the pro-mayor Labour leaders of Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen councils, Lynn Williams and Phil Riley. Councillor Riley has also warned time is running out for Lancashire to hold a mayoral election in 2028.
Mo Isap believes there are opportunities for Lancashire. He would like to see the Burnham government committing to investing in the county as it looks to increase spending on defence and rapid technologies.
He says: “If it is part of rebuilding industrial capability, build the new factories and invest in the infrastructure here. We have the land, we have the infrastructure and we have the capability. Let’s build on what we have, with BAE Systems and the supply chain that exists here.”
He floats the idea of the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone as a strategic development site for defence – a campus for critical manufacturing - saying: “There is a massive opportunity. We need the government to run with it.”
And returning to the mayoral issue he says: “Lancashire is built on innovation and industry. The reality is that today we are in a state of inertia, and that’s a dangerous place to be.”
By Neil Burrows, director of skills and business development at Burnley College
MADE IN BURNLEY: WHY PUTTING TECHNICAL EDUCATION FIRST IS THE KEY TO GROWTH
I welcome the recent announcements made by prime minister Andy Burnham.
For many years, those of us working in technical education have argued that vocational pathways should be valued equally alongside traditional academic routes.
The proposed introduction of technical education pathways from age 14, giving young
people earlier access to hands-on skills, employer engagement and meaningful work-related learning, is a significant step in the right direction.
Also encouraging is the recognition that financial barriers can often prevent young people from choosing apprenticeships.
The proposed financial support for families whose children undertake apprenticeships acknowledges a challenge that colleges, training providers and employers have highlighted for years.
Too often, families have been financially disadvantaged when a young person chooses an apprenticeship over other routes. Removing that barrier can only help increase participation and enhance social mobility.
Nationally, more than one million young people are currently classed as not in education, employment or training (NEET).
At Burnley College, we know that early intervention, strong employer connections and clear progression pathways are critical in supporting young people who may be at risk of becoming disengaged from education or employment.
We are particularly excited to be developing a ‘Made in Burnley’ programme. Working closely with employers, this initiative will identify talented young people and provide them with mentoring, financial support and opportunities for work experience in industry.
My ambition is that this doesn’t stop at Burnley. If successful, I hope to see this model evolve into a ‘Made in Lancashire’ initiative, bringing together employers, educators and communities from across the county to invest in local talent.
But education does not create change alone. My message to businesses across Burnley and Lancashire is simple: now is the time to step forward – your involvement will make a lasting difference.
Every employer has something valuable to contribute to the next generation. Together, we can create a pipeline of talent and give more young people the confidence to build successful careers close to home.
Drop me a line to discuss how you can get involved. Patrons:
nburrows@burnley.ac.uk Charity Partner: LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
Celebrate Lancashire Day with the county’s business community!
Date: Friday 27 November 2026 Time: 12.00pm – 5.00pm Venue: Burnley Football Club
• Network with like-minded leaders from businesses of all size and sectors
BOOK NOW Become a patron
Put your business at the heart of Lancashire Business Day.
Show your support for the county and raise your profile across Lancashire’s business community.
Contact Joanne Hindley on 07442 949697 or email
joanne@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk.
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