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Welcome from the Editor
dapting to change, finding new markets, diversifying and developing new work methods has been the key to the survival and success of many of Burnley’s businesses. A special focus on two of Burnley’s oldest textile firms demonstrates how adapting to change has transformed their fortunes and opened up new and growing markets – with their specialist textile products now in global demand. Their diversification has recently been praised as a blueprint for the UK’s textile revival. It’s not just Burnley’s businesses who are changing to secure new business and their economic future. The town itself is changing and re-positioning itself to compete with larger development areas and prepare the way for economic growth. Burnley is recreating itself with new infrastructure and developments which will support the growth of its businesses and positioning itself as a viable base for new and relocating businesses. Burnley has the development sites and infrastructure to rival those of many big cities, at a fraction of the cost, and the business backing to promote the opportunities here. Our education infrastructure is second to none. How many towns can boast three universities and one of the top performing colleges in the country with a training division dedicated to the requirements of local businesses.
Our businesses back these changes and the growing Bondholder scheme, which comprises of a rapidly growing number of influential businesses, are coming together to influence agendas and develop a united voice to share and showcase the towns assets. Business Secretary Vince Cable recently visited the town and praised our self-help spirit and our strong manufacturing base, and in particular praised the united ambition to grow Burnley’s economy. We have invested almost £400 million in universities, colleges, schools to maintain our world-class manufacturing sector. It is about being part of the northwest’s success story: a town that has ‘opened a new chapter’ (Financial Times) that is ‘full of life’ (The Guardian) and where ‘all the best things are from’ (BBC). We are a town that seeks growth: securing rail investment to connect to Manchester; capital investment for the North’s largest heritage-led regeneration scheme, in a town that has been identified as one of the best in the North West for business growth, according to Experian. Our ambition is unrelenting, our success proven and unquestionable. Come and grow with us.
5 £1.4m RGF for Aerospace Park
9 Introducing Themis
11 The green deal
Joanne Etherington Editor 01282 477315 jetherington@burnley.gov.uk
Business support advisers
Design
16 Textile Revival
Alex Hooley Principal Business Support Officer
Martyn Hardacre Assistant Business Support Officer
Richard Greenwood Graphic Designer
ahooley@burnley.gov.uk
mhardacre@burnley.gov.uk
rgreenwood@burnley.gov.uk
Produced by Communications and Graphics, © Burnley Council 2012. [t] 01282 425011. Job_7525. Printed by Peter Scotts Printers [t] 01282 452221
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