Lancashire small business support for May

Local News 1 May 2024

Lancashire businesses are you wondering what is available to you and your business in May? This is the article for you. Get reading and adding dates to your diary.

For more information about the below FSB events, and if you would like to be a guest speaker, guest host at any future local networking events, or if you would like a 1-to-1 chat about your business and FSB benefits, please contact [email protected]


Train services update

Train services affected for Avanti West Coast will last until Sunday 12 May. ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, has announced a range of industrial action at multiple train companies between Monday 6 May and Saturday 11 May. Avanti West Coast are affected by strike action on Wednesday 8 May, services on the days either side of the strike will also be affected. Check before you travel on live updates.


Funded growth and innovation support

For West Lancashire businesses, the launch event of Collaborative Innovation Programme will be held on Wednesday 8 May 8:30am to 11:30am at West Lancashire Investment Centre. Join to discover how your business can benefit from one or more of these fully funded programmes: High Growth Innovation Sprint, Product Innovation Programme, Leadership for Growth. Reserve your place.


Net Zero – 5 things you need to know 

If you're a Blackpool-based business, this 30-minute online event on Wednesday 8 May at 10:00am, from the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy can support you. Driven by Blackpool Council and with funded support from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, the specialist support helps Blackpool businesses on the journey to net zero. To find out more, click here.


FSB Women in Business Networking

For Lancashire & Cumbria women who run their own business will come together on Wednesday 8 May at 12:30pm. Within this dynamic environment, we adopt a proactive and solution-oriented approach to finding strategies for overcoming these challenges and offering mutual support. Guest speaker is Alison Blackler presenting on ‘overcoming yourself as a barrier to progress.’ Book now.


Pendle Business Awards

Pendle businesses are invited to enter the 2024 Awards, entries close on Wednesday 8 May. The awards are free to enter. There are various award categories to suit all types, sectors and sizes of business. To watch FSB on-demand webinar on how to be an award-winning business, watch here. To enter the Pendle Business Awards, click here.


The Lancashire Tech Summit

FHundED Live is an annual tech and innovation summit unlike anything you’ve ever experienced and it is back for a third year. Set in the grounds of Williamson Park on Friday 10 May 10:00am to 3:00pm. A day focused on tech and innovation with keynote speakers, panel discussions, and lightning talks. Get your ticket.


Understanding the new Customs Declaration Service (CDS) 

From DBT / UK Export Academy on Monday 13 May 10:00am to 11:00am join HMRC who will guide you through the changes and how they will affect your business. You will learn all you need to know about how to move to, test in and use the CDS for exports before the current Customs Handling Imports and Export Freight (CHIEF) platform closes on 4 June. Register now.


Consultation on Lancaster parking

The consultation is open until Monday 13 May at 12pm. The draft strategy and actions aims to a well-managed supply of car parking and alternative transport modes in the city. The draft strategy and accompanying action plan are designed to ensure there continues to be a well-managed supply of public car parking facilities in the city. To read the full draft strategy and have your say, see more information.


FSB Bootcamp : Sales & Marketing

Join us for a power-packed bootcamp where you’ll be treated to a full-day of learning where the focus will be exclusively on sales and marketing! On Thursday 16 May 9:00am to 4:30pm, gain wisdom and insights from the guest speakers, and take away a raft of actionable strategies. There will also be plenty of networking opportunities throughout the day, with lunch and refreshments included in ticket price. We also have a number of stands as part of a mini trade show. Book now.


FSB Virtual Networking

Networking event hosted by a local FSB Member with a guest speaker, on Wednesday 22 May at 9:30am to 10:30am. Join this friendly session to feel part of the local business community within Lancashire & Cumbria. At this session you will promote your business in 30 seconds and meet all in the main room, then go into small breakout rooms with a topic for discussion. Book now.


Understanding the new EU Packaging Directive

From DBT / UK Export Academy on Thursday 23 May 10:00am to 11:00am. Join Dr Geoff Mackey UK Country Manager, from Plastics Europe to hear all about the new EU Packaging Directive now being discussed and expected to come into force in 2025. This webinar will demystify the legislation and guidelines around packaging your products when selling your goods to customers across Europe. Register now.


Consultation on Fylde Taxi policy

This consultation is about the proposed revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. Before amending the policy, the local authority is consulting widely on what it should contain. The local views are important in reaching a fair policy. The consultation is open from Wednesday 20 March to Friday 21 June. Have your say.


Accrington Markets

The Makers Market will be returning to Accrington in 2024. Now is your chance to express an interest in a stall at the events, being held in June, August and November. The Makers Market brings together independent artisans, makers, performers and businesses to create brilliant, local community monthly markets. Register your interest by completing the contact form


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Meet The Team - Lancashire & Cumbria

Meet the author

Natalie Simm

Natalie Simm

Operational Support Coordinator