Pendle News Room

Created in response to local feedback, Pendle Connects events will run quarterly and combine business networking with panel interviews.

Experts will focus on themes which are key to success within the Pendle economy.

The launch event - Digital, what can it do for your business? – will take place on Thursday 16 March, 8am – 10am, at Training 2000 in Netherfield Road, Nelson.

As well as the chance to learn from and network with guest experts and other local businesses, Dean Langton, Pendle Council’s Strategic Director, will deliver an update for the borough.

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council and lead on economic development for Pendle, said:

“This is something that we’ve looked at doing for some time and I’m delighted that lovelocalnetworking will run Pendle Connects with support from us and Business in the Community.

“Pendle Connects will give businesses a fantastic opportunity to build relationships and create a network of strong contacts.

“Pendle has so many businesses which are key players nationally and internationally and they’ll all have advice on how to succeed.”

The events are supported by Pendle Vision Board which speaks up for the private sector and promotes the borough as a great place to live, work and play.

Dennis Mendoros, Chairman, said: “These networking events give us a great opportunity to shout about what we’re doing to make Pendle the place to do business.

“We need to encourage new businesses to start and grow here, nurture existing ones to become more innovative and attract inward investment.

“By working closely with our business community we can ensure that we can better meet their needs and provide a skilled workforce.”

Rachel Kay, Pendle Connects organiser, added: “We’re proud to be launching Pendle Connects.

“We’ve run events in Pendle for two years and are committed to supporting local businesses.

“At the launch event we’ll discuss how using the latest digital technologies and marketing platforms can transform businesses.

“We’ll also look at the importance of being cyber-secure.”

The panellists for the 16 March launch event are:

• Jane Cleaver, Managing Director of Printoff & Concept4 (Nelson)
• Leon Calverley, Director of Door4 Digital Agency (Nelson)
• Sarah Green, Cyber Security Manager, Training 2000, (Nelson)
• Stewart Townsend, Director of Lancashire County Council’s initiative Digital Lancashire.

Breakfast and refreshments will be provided at 8am and networking will take place until 8.40am when the panel interview begins.

Events are open to all Pendle based businesses and those doing business in Pendle. Businesses from all sectors - private, public and voluntary are encouraged to attend.

Tickets can be booked at the Pendle Connects website www.pendleconnects.uk and cost £15 including refreshments.