A Financial Times correspondent with his finger on the pulse of Northern Powerhouse developments has been added to the line-up for Lancashire Business Day.

Taking place on November 27, Lancashire Business Day is an opportunity for the red rose county to come together, network, have fun and celebrate.

As guest speaker at the event, FT journalist Andrew Bounds will provide insight into the opportunities and challenges facing Lancashire and its business community.

Andrew has written for the FT since 2008 and was appointed enterprise editor in 2011. He covers the Northern Powerhouse and the changing face of the northern and national economy, politics and society with special focus on small and start-up businesses and entrepreneurs.

Simon Entwistle, who was named Lancashire Tourism Superstar in 2012 at the Lancashire Tourism Awards, will give the official proclamation.

Simon describes himself as a story-teller and hosts ghost walks and spooky tours across the county through his tourism business Top Hat Tours.

The food on the day will be overseen by Lisa Goodwin-Allen, who became executive chef at Northcote in October 2017 when Nigel Haworth stepped back to take up an ambassadorial role.

Lancashire Business Day has also announced the Prince’s Trust as its charity partner for 2018.

Attendees to the event will be able to donate to the charity, which works with young people across the county and beyond to improve their personal and career prospects.

Clare Crabb, north regional director for the trust, said: “We are extremely grateful to be the chosen charity partner of this year’s Lancashire Business Day.

“We are proud of our work across the county and wider North West region, supporting unemployed young people into work, education or training. But without events and partnerships like this one, none of it would be possible.”

Hosted at Ewood Park in Blackburn, Lancashire Business Day has been organised by Lancashire Business View magazine, designed to connect the business community and show the world how the county does business.

The first ever Lancashire Business Day took place in 2017 and saw organisations from every corner of the county come together to network, share their stories and enjoy all that is Lancashire with specially themed food and entertainment.

Magazine publisher and event organiser Richard Slater said: “We are thrilled to have Andrew Bounds as part of our event. He is very close to the developments of Northern Powerhouse and the northern economy as a whole and he has great insight to share.

“We are also proud to bring the Prince’s Trust on board. Through this partnership we will be able to raise awareness of the great work they do and help meet their fundraising goals.”

Individual tickets and table bookings are now available to buy. Sponsorship packages are also available for organisations looking to promote their brand across Lancashire.

The Lancashire Business Day Patrons are Beever and Struthers, BigTank Video Productions, Cardboard Box Company and HSBC UK.

The event is also supported by Downtown in Business, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Institute of Directors, Lancaster and District Chamber, lovelocalnetworking, North and Western Chamber of Commerce and Shout Network.

Ends

Lancashire Business Day takes place on 27 November 2018 at Ewood Park, Blackburn.

Tickets are available to buy at https://www.lancashirebusinessview.co.uk/lancashire-business-events-calender/lancashire-business-day-2018/