Some of the borough’s biggest and best businesses came together to celebrate the relaunch of The HIVE – part of a brand-new collaboration between Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone.
Set to the backdrop of the impressive new Fusebox extension at Blackburn Youth Zone, the Supporters Lunch welcomed leading business figures for an event focused on ambition, collaboration and inclusive growth.
It marked the start of a new chapter, with the new-look business network set to build on the success of the Youth Zone’s thriving patron programme – opening it up to even more organisations and creating new opportunities for patrons and businesses across Blackburn with Darwen.
Under the banner of ‘BwD: Success on Every Corner’ – and with a shared mission of ‘no-one left behind’ – the event featured a panel discussion with:
- Andrew Graham MBE, CEO, Graham & Brown
- Khalid Saifullah MBE DL, Strategic Advisor, WEPA
- Tracey Alcock, Partner & General Manager, Herbert Parkinson Ltd – a John Lewis Partner
- Jack Lamb, Sales Manager, Blackburn Chemicals
- Josh Sweeney, Director of Marketing & Growth, Multevo
The lunch was the first in a series of new networking events that will put key issues facing local businesses in the spotlight.
It will also offer regular updates from the Council on major investment schemes and development plans shaping the borough’s future.
Opening the event, Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We genuinely have a brilliant story to tell here in Blackburn with Darwen.
“It’s a story with a proud past – from our role at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution – and one with bold ambitions for the future: ambitions to improve lives, grow the economy, support local businesses and attract new investment.
“As a Council, we are proudly pro-growth – in fact, we’re hell bent on it – and we’re outperforming national benchmarks for economic growth, business formation and housing delivery.
“Despite a hugely challenging national context, we’re balancing our own books and continuing to deliver services rated ‘good’ by Government.
“With a strong reputation for delivery and genuine partnership working, now feels like exactly the right time to reset our business network offer in collaboration with Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone.
“It’s a perfect pairing too – building on the Youth Zone’s strong network of nearly 80 patrons and creating even more ways for businesses across the borough to connect.
“It also ties directly into our mission of ensuring no one is left behind – a mission that drives everything we do.”
Wayne Wild MBE, Chair of Blackburn with Darwen Youth Zone, has been instrumental in developing the Youth Zone’s patron network, now supported by almost 80 of the area’s leading businesses.
Together, those patrons fund around 50% of the charity’s running costs – helping to support thousands of young people across the borough.
Wayne, who chaired the panel discussion, said: “Today we’ve brought together some of the very best businesses in Blackburn with Darwen – organisations that truly value the power of networking and are passionate about the role they play in our communities and our borough’s future.
“We’re incredibly proud of our patron network – nearly 80 strong – and every single one of them is committed to creating better opportunities for our young people.
“Through this new partnership with the Council, we’re looking forward to opening the door even wider – giving more businesses the chance to get involved while further strengthening our offer for our loyal patrons.
“Together we can help shape a stronger, more prosperous borough for everyone.”
The panel shared interesting insights into the success of their businesses, the challenges they face, and the huge potential they see in Blackburn with Darwen – highlighting the borough’s unique sense of community and drive.
Indeed, they all agreed that what helps set the borough apart is the people, the spirit of the ‘Arte et Labore’ – by skill and labour – motto very much still prominent today.
Andrew Graham MBE, CEO of Graham & Brown and founder of Blackburn Youth Zone, said: “The Youth Zone has already proved the power of bringing business leaders together to deliver real change.
“Partnering with the Council to extend the business network and boost the patron offer with even more free events feels like the perfect next step – and the turnout today shows there’s a clear appetite for more events like this.
“What makes Blackburn with Darwen so special is the people – and a real spirit of giving back. Together, we can all make a difference.”
The next Supporters Lunch will take place in September, with a focus on the Lancashire devolution deal, local government reorganisation, and what these changes could mean for the borough and businesses here.
Businesses interested in joining the network or attending future events should contact: Melanie Thomas melanie.thomas@blackburnyz.org
To find out more about Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone, its patron network and what’s on offer for young people this summer, please visit: https://www.blackburnyz.org/
