New business event aims to connect Fylde coast

The first Coastal Connect meeting is to take place at the White Tower at the Pleasure Beach.

It is the brainchild of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce which is aiming to grow connections across the are to help boost the economy.

Catherine Stringer, events manager at the chamber, who hails from Poulton, said: “Most networking events seem to be at breakfast time and that does not suit everybody, particularly those with children, so we decided we needed something at the other end of the working day.

“They will run from 4pm to 6pm to give people a chance to get off home if they need to.

“Many of our events tend to be in the Preston area, but we have an office in Blackpool at Squires Gate and we felt that we needed to do more on the Fylde Coast.

“We want to involve as many people as possible so the first two Coastal Connects will be free.

“There will be a series of punchy presentations which we are aiming to be of use to businesses and there will be a chance to give short introductions to give businesses a platform.

“But the main focus will be on networking to allow businesses to talk to others, make new connections. Things are changing quickly on the Fylde coast at the moment, not just in Blackpool, so it is a good opportunity to keep up to speed with everything that is gong on.

“It will give people the opportunity to keep abreast of local issues and valuable opportunities and expand their business network.

“The first presentation will be a topical tax update from Moore and Smalley.”

She said the second meeting is set to be at the Imperial Hotel in November and then after that it will make its way around Blackpool, Wyre the Fylde depending on demand.

The chamber will also be hosting an event looking at International Trade Essentials at its Squires Gate offices on October 19 from 9.30 to 12.30pm with John Pickervance of Forbes Solicitors.