John Boys attended the latest Preston Partnership event at OneCoWork – Flexible Workspaces on Winckley Square yesterday morning, which explored how best to grow Preston’s economy over the coming years.
The event focused on defining the city’s economic, residential, and leisure offer, with key insights shared from Preston Partnership’s new Economic Plan for Preston, which will be officially launched later this year.
The plan was developed by Metro Dynamics, with Associate Director Sarah Thompson presenting the key findings – including feedback from Preston Partnership members on Preston’s key assets and emerging sectors.
Following her presentation, Sarah joined a lively panel discussion with Anne-Marie Huck, Head of Regional Campaigns at BAE Systems, Peter Thomas, Programme Lead at Lancashire County Council, and Rachel Westray, Site Communications Partner at Westinghouse Electric Company. The discussion explored how Preston’s narrative aligns with the wider Lancashire economy and how opportunities such as devolution and local government reorganisation could be harnessed.
Anne-Marie and Rachel also reflected on the priorities of significant local employers and how a strong leisure and residential offer can support people to live and work in Preston throughout their lives.
John described the event as both enjoyable and informative, with thought-provoking contributions and engaging discussion throughout.
A big thank you to everyone who made the event possible – from the speakers and hosts to Chair John Chesworth for opening the session and Beckie Joyce for leading the discussion.