Presidents view The studies currently being undertaken into the strengths and weaknesses of East Lancashires economy will have far-reaching implications for the areas for decades to come. ELSERG - the East Lancashire Strategic Economic Regeneration Group - has commissioned the reports to gain a thorough undertstanding of the local economy. This highly-detailerd knowledge will underpine all attempts to attract Government and European investment into our region. It will provide the information necessary to draw up a blueprint for the future development of the region and support the case for continued funding of initiative such as the ELEVATE housing renewal programme. What differentiates this new approach is that the studies are being led by the private sector - by people who work in business and industry and have a clear understanding of the needs. The East Laancashire Chamber of Commerce is closely involved in the vital process, with our chief executive Mike Damms taking the lead as chairman of ELSERG. In the first issue of Lancashire Business View, we looked at the study on the future of manufacturing in the region. Like many others, I welcomed the findings that the industry does have a future provided and companies adapt to changing markets and that the Government provides some support. To help them make that transition. The reports provide that Lancashire does have world-class manufacturers who are succeeding through innovation, investment and a sheer determination to prosper. In this issue, we examine the services sector and the construction industry, which together are responsible for seven out of every 10 jobs in the area. Again, it has given us trhe ammunition to fight for a better deal for East Lancashire from the Government The Chamber is the voice and supporter of all businesses - not just member companies. We are determined to make your voice heard and bring to East Lancashire the investment that is so vital to all our futures. Lancashire Business View will keep you in touch with our crusade to rebuild East Lancashire as one of the UKs most dynamic regions. Tony Raynor President East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Tony Raynor President Presidents View Its that time of the year again when company bosses dust off their dinner jackets and evening gowns for awards evenings. And it is great to see so many Lancashire companies walking away with the spoils of ceremonies for local, regional and national awards. When there is so much negative publicity about business and industry, I am delighted that Lancashire businesses are more than holding their own. Companies that win awards are successful and that is good news for their employees and their local economies. In the British Chambers of Commerce Annual Business Awards, four East Lancashire businesses were named as the best in the North West and will represent the region in the national finals. Through Enjoy Travel, Farmhouse Fare, Whittle Eastern Europe Logistics and MDA, the East Lancashire Chamber had more success tham any other in the region. The competition is very tough in the regional awards. It is a privilege to have such excellent firms within our chamber and the success demonstrates the wide variety of sectors in which companies in this area excel. In the Awards section of Lancashire Business View, you will see many other examples of local companies that are winning accolades from their peers. We should all celebrate their success. Undoubtedly, it will have been hard-won and the teams behind these businesses should be applauded. Winning awards is one way of putting Lancashire on the map as an ideal location for business and industry. Successful businesses need the right staff, premises and communications infrastructure - we know we have it all in our Red Rose county, but sometimes others need to be reminded/ When our business leaders walk out on the national stage to collect their awards, they are making a statement for Lancashire as well as their own companies. This is my final ÔPresidents ViewÓ before I hand over the chain of office to Helen Colley, who was one of the four regional Chamber winners, picking up the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. I have greatly enjoyed my time in office and wish Helen every success in her time as President of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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