Amazing Accrington - Spring 2019

Leaders gather in

#AMAZING ACCRINGTON to discuss Business, Brexit and ‘Bringing it Back to Lancashire’

Accrington Town Hall Council Chamber became a hive of activity for the aernoon at the most well-aended meeting to date when over 50 business leaders in Hyndburn gathered at the #AmazingAccrington meeting on Friday 25 January

Murray Dawson, Managing Director and Chairman of the #AmazingAccrington initiative, opened up the event to share with aendees the excitement of upcoming events in Accrington on the new Town Square and inside the Town Hall – including a brand-new Beer Festival set to take place for the first time. “As business leaders it’s important for us to bring footfall into the town, helping the economy and local traders where possible. We’re incredibly thankful to have so much support from businesses in and around Accrington with every event hosted in the town. We are here to celebrate businesses in the borough and also showcase the events going on in the town. This gives businesses the opportunity to get involved with the local community. This year will see the introduction of a Beer Festival to coincide with the annual Food and Drink Festival. With approximately 14,000 visitors aending the Food Festival every year it’s the biggest event in the town and we’re hoping the Beer Festival will be a massive success alongside it. We appreciate all business leaders who take the time out of their days to come to the #AmazingAccrington meetings; to help us beer the town today to keep future generations here tomorrow.”

themwhich will hopefully really benefit the local community. It’s brilliant to be here and see people coming together from a range of organisations. My aim is to make sure people are aware of the facilities that are available locally, as individuals and employers it’s really important we all share information and celebrate the great things Hyndburn has to offer.” Graham Jones, Member of Parliament for Hyndburn, addressed the room: “It’s fabulous to be here in Accrington Town Hall, alongside our usual informative event today we have reflected on some bigger issues. As businesses it’s on your shoulders to shout about our community, to support it and help make it great. Meetings like this are so important for us to come together and support each other. As a community, and a country, we are in a difficult situation due to the obvious…Brexit. It’s a dark cloud at the minute hanging over us and yes, there are concerns. I am here to support the people, businesses and the community. There has been some friendly and healthy debate here today, which is always welcomed! I hope that people have lewith a beer understanding of my own position on the current climate and also with reassurance that I have the community interests as my priority.”

Lyndsey Sims, CEO of Hyndburn Leisure Trust, took to the panel to share an overview of the trust and Accrington Town Hall: “We want to encourage people to get up and active. We estimate around £2million of our money stays in Lancashire currently, we employ people from the local area, we give back and that’s what we want to continue to do going forward. The leisure facilities are a priority for us – they are well loved, well used, and we intend to upgrade

Above: #AmazingAccrington business leaders meeting at Accrington Town Hall, Council Chamber. Right: Miranda Barker, CEO East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. Far right (Top down): Lyndsey Sims, CEO Hyndburn Leisure Trust and Graham Jones, Member of Parliament for Hyndburn. Lyndsey Sims, CEO Hyndburn Leisure Trust; Coun. Miles Parkinson; Graham Jones MP; Sharon Lindsay Hurst, Marketing Director, Accrington and Rossendale College. Murray Dawson, Managing Director of Scott Dawson Advertising. Steve Riley, Hyndburn Borough Council. Benson, HR Director at Studio Retail Ltd and

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