Lancashire: The Uncharted Business Haven You’ve Been Looking For
While Lancashire is famously known for its green valleys and rich history, it’s quietly and steadily positioning itself as one of the UK’s most promising business destinations.
So, if you’re an entrepreneur or an SME considering expansion or relocation, here’s an in-depth look into why Lancashire might just be the perfect backdrop for your business aspirations.
Tracing Back to the Foundations: Lancashire’s Historical Might
One cannot speak of Lancashire without giving a nod to its industrious past.
The county was a global powerhouse during the textile revolution, with cotton mills dotting its landscape.
Today, while the hum of mills has quietened, this spirit of innovation has been channelled into modern sectors, creating a landscape that respects tradition while ardently embracing the future.
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Location is Key, and Lancashire has it Locked Down
Centrally nestled with Manchester to its south and Liverpool to its west, Lancashire boasts a unique locational advantage.
But it’s not just about proximity.
The infrastructure has kept pace, with extensive road networks, efficient rail services, and proximity to major airports.
Plus, its ports provide businesses with seamless access to international markets, making global trade simpler and more efficient.
Stretch Your Pound: Get More for Less
In an era where real estate prices are skyrocketing, Lancashire offers a breath of fresh air.
Commercial property and rents here are significantly more affordable than in the major UK cities.
For businesses, especially startups and SMEs, this means more room to grow without being hampered by exorbitant overheads.
Additionally, various grants and funding schemes tailored for young businesses ensure that financial support is always at arm’s length.
Talent? Lancashire has Plenty
Driven by esteemed educational institutions, Lancashire enjoys a steady stream of young, skilled graduates every year, ready to dive into the workforce.
The county’s history in manufacturing, combined with its surge in sectors like digital technology, ensures a dynamic and knowledgeable workforce.
Laying the Red Carpet for Businesses
The local authorities in Lancashire have been proactive in making the region business-friendly.
There’s a noticeable effort to foster networking through regular events and workshops.
Lancashire’s business parks and incubators, brimming with modern amenities, offer conducive environments for businesses to flourish and collaborate.
Work Hard, Play Harder
It’s not all work in Lancashire. The county offers a lifestyle that’s the envy of many.
Imagine finishing a hard day’s work and then taking a stroll through the Ribble Valley or going for a weekend hike in the Forest of Bowland.
Lancashire ensures a work-life balance like few other places, blending modern urban amenities with nature’s serenity.
Diverse in Economy and Rich in Success
Lancashire’s industrial tapestry is multi-hued.
From aerospace giants to sprightly digital startups, the county hosts a myriad of industries. And success stories?
There’s a plethora. Numerous businesses have found their growth trajectory here, a testament to Lancashire’s business-friendly ethos.
In summing up, Lancashire is a beautiful paradox, intertwining the old with the new, the traditional with the modern.
As a business destination, it’s replete with opportunities, support, and a promise of growth.
If you’re looking to anchor your business dreams, Lancashire beckons with open arms and unmatched prospects.
The Main Towns and Cities in Lancashire
Lancashire, located in the northwest of England, has a rich history and is known for its industrial past, particularly in the cotton industry.
It boasts several towns and cities, each with its unique character and history.
Here are some of the main towns and cities in Lancashire:
- Lancaster – The historic county town of Lancashire. It’s home to Lancaster Castle and Lancaster University, among other notable landmarks.
- Preston – Became England’s 50th city in 2002, and it is the administrative center of Lancashire. The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) is located here.
- Blackburn – Known historically for its textile industry.
- Burnley – Another town with a strong industrial past, particularly known for its cotton mills.
- Blackpool – A famous seaside resort known for Blackpool Tower, the Pleasure Beach, and the annual illuminations.
- Chorley – A market town that has held markets since the early 18th century.
- Leyland – Famous for its association with the truck and bus manufacturer British Leyland.
- Ormskirk – Home to Edge Hill University and known for its historic market.
- Skelmersdale – A town that experienced significant growth in the mid-20th century as a result of urban development.
- Accrington – Known for its Stanley football team and the production of the ‘Norfolk’ brand of bricks that were used to construct the Empire State Building in New York.
- Morecambe – A seaside town adjacent to Lancaster, it’s known for its bay and the art-deco-styled Midland Hotel.
- Nelson – Another town with a history in the textile industry.
- Rawtenstall – Part of the Rossendale Valley, this town is known for its historic East Lancashire Railway.
- Darwen – Located between Blackburn and Bolton, it’s notable for Darwen Tower, which stands as a memorial to Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
- Lytham St Annes – A coastal town known for its golf courses and Victorian architecture.
These are just a selection of the towns and cities in Lancashire.
The county has diverse communities, each offering unique attractions and history.
Preston – The Capital of Lancashire
Preston is often referred to as the administrative and commercial centre of Lancashire, but it’s important to note that the term “capital” is not typically used for English counties.
Instead, the term “county town” refers to a county’s main administrative centre.
In the case of Lancashire, the historic county town is Lancaster, not Preston.
However, Preston holds a significant role in Lancashire for several reasons:
- Administrative Centre: While Lancaster is a historic county town, Preston is where the Lancashire County Council is based. This makes it the main administrative centre of the county.
- City Status: Preston achieved city status in 2002 during the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. This elevated its profile within Lancashire and England.
- University: The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) is located in Preston, bringing the city a youthful and vibrant atmosphere.
- Industrial History: Preston has a rich history, especially during the Industrial Revolution. It was a major hub for textile production.
- Location: Preston’s location on the River Ribble and its placement along major transportation routes, including the railway and the M6 motorway, make it a key city in the region.
- Guild Merchant: Every 20 years, the city holds the Preston Guild Merchant festival, a historic celebration which dates back over 800 years. The event marks the city’s unique heritage and brings together people from all over the region.
To reiterate, while Preston is undeniably an important city in Lancashire, it is not the “capital” in the traditional sense.
Lancaster remains the county town of Lancashire, but the administrative functions are largely carried out in Preston.
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Last Updated on December 1, 2023