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Preston Partnership, a private-sector membership organisation in the city have announced 13 new strategic partners to mark its first anniversary.
The partners will invest £2,000 a year to support the group’s aims in shaping Preston’s future.
Since its relaunch in October 2023, Preston Partnership has gained over 200 new members.
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Their members play a key role in the city’s regeneration efforts.
It also works with Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council and the University of Central Lancashire to promote Preston.
The 13 new strategic partners include a range of businesses.
A full list can be seen below:
- BDP: International practice of architects, designers, engineers and urbanists
- Cassidy + Ashton: North West practice of architects, planners and surveyors
- Core Network Group: Provider of fibre, VoIP and IT infrastructure services to clients across the UK
- Cotton Court: Serviced and virtual office provider, along with business services
- Eric Wright: Lancashire-based property developer and construction group
- Freshfield: North West PR and communications consultancy
- Harrison Drury: North West law firm
- Heaton Group: UK property development company
- Hy Hotel: Leisure operator and property development group
- North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce: Lancashire’s largest private sector membership body
- Story Homes: Housing developer with schemes across the North West
- University of Central Lancashire
- Wrkspace: Serviced and virtual office provider, with sites across Preston
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Alongside support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Preston BID, the investment will also contribute to the running of Preston Partnership’s popular events programme, help commission evidence-based studies to inform policymakers, and support its efforts to promote Preston on a regional and national stage.
Beckie Joyce, Preston Partnership’s head of business development, said: “The strategic partners will be the engine room of the partnership and, working alongside our members, will help inform the strategic agenda of the partnership and our priorities.
“It’s a brilliant representation of sectoral talent with some national firms getting involved. This is a testament to the appeal of Preston as a city on the rise with huge potential. It’s our role to help the city realise that potential and our partners will play an important part.”
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John Chesworth, chairman of Preston Partnership, added: “Our goal in Autumn 2023 was to build an ambitious partnership of over 100 members to help us shape Preston’s future and tell a relentlessly positive Preston’s story, and we have been bowled over by the interest.
“This reminds us that there is huge passion and intent from the private sector to see Preston evolve and grow, and become a dynamic economic engine of the Preston city region and the North.
“The calibre of the new strategic partners and the investment they have made will build on the momentum of the last 12 months.”
The Preston Partnership’s latest ‘In The City’ event takes place on Thursday 21 November
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