The following Press Release was posted into the Steering Group pages by Andrew Platten at Elevate, but needs a wider distribution. Any other good news out there in the Lancashire / North West?

Introducing New Companies

Construction companies from across Pennine Lancashire came together to share their experiences and contacts to boost the industry. The event held at Shere Khan Restaurant, in Blackburn, united BME Businesses in the area, helping to benefit the local business community.

This is one of the latest initiatives from The Constructing the Future programme from Elevate East Lancashire, working in partnership with the enterprise initiative No Limits.

The event introduced representatives from 40 construction companies to the idea of creating a business consortium for BME businesses – as well as workshops on how to work together and gain more business by developing skills and business practices. In particular CTF promoted the innovative Pennine Lancashire independent training group to the attendees which will enable business to plan their training needs.

Andrew Platten, Head of Constructing the Future, said: “The aim of the event was to unite BME businesses and allow them to share their experiences and skills, benefiting them and encouraging them to work together in the future.

“The event was hugely successful, and will hopefully be the first of many in this new project we plan to continue to roll out throughout 2008.”

One of the attendees, Yasir Ahmad, Director of Crystal Baths said: “The event was really well attended by companies in the community and was a great opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs.”

The No Limits initiative has secured a three year funding allocation, of which £130,000 will be allocated to Constructing the Future to aid local businesses and people into employment helping with the Elevate overall aim to regenerate East Lancashire’s disadvantaged communities.

No Limits is a £23m initiative to help support new and existing businesses throughout Pennine Lancashire with advice, finance, accommodation and a whole range of other support.

It is supported by the three professional football clubs of Pennine Lancashire – Blackburn Rovers, Accrington Stanley and Burnley – and by the borough councils of Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, and Pendle, and Lancashire County Council.