Selling the country's strengths

29 Nov 2018 10:54

LANCASHIRE took an upbeat innovation, skills and productivity message to a gathering of top property professionals.

The "We Are Lancashire" partnership exhibited at the two-day MIPIM conference and property exhibition at London's Olympia.

Described as "the leading property summit for all key stakeholders in UK real estate", MIPIM UK regulary attracts over 3,000 delegates from 45 countries.

These include investment specialists, local authorities, agents, occupiers, architects, planners and governement agencies.

Preston, Chorley and South Ribble coucils were part of the delegation along with the county council, the University of Central Lancashire and Preston-based developers Eric Wright Group.

The exhibiton highlighted a number of projects including UCLan's £30m Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) in Preston - a state-of-the-art facility which will create an integrated space for advanced manufacturing and engineering teaching, research and knowledge exchange with business.

More details were also revealed about the proposed Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at the Samlesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone.

The initative is being developed in partnership with the University of Sheffield and was announced in 2017 as part of the government's Growth Deal fund for Lancashire.

The AMRC will work with local, national and international manufacturers to introduce advanced techniques, technologies and processes into their opeartions to drive innovation and productivity in Lancashire's business base.

Andy Walker, head of business growth for Lancashire County Council, said: "Lancashire is speaking with one voice about our economic potential."

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