CHRISTMAS IS COMING TO PRESTON WITH A SEASON OF ICE SKATING FESTIVE LIGHTS AND A FAMILY PANTOMIME! #Preston’s city centre will be celebrating Christmas in style this year, with a packed programme of festive experiences that will bring a sleigh load of Christmas magic to town. Read more: bit.ly/ChristmasInPreston202…

If you're a finalist in this year's High Street Heroes Awards (well done, first of all), with BID and @visitpreston, and are yet to book your tickets, please do so asap. We're pretty much at capacity, and the link will close at noon tomorow. See you there, and best of luck to all finalists! Ticket link: bit.ly/HSHTickets2026

£30,000 Shop Front Improvement Fund now open! Preston BID is pleased to launch its new Shop Front Improvement Fund, supporting city centre retail & hospitality businesses to invest in their premises and create more attractive, welcoming frontages. With grants of up to £1,500 per business, funding can contribute towards: 🎨 Painting and decorating 📍 Signage improvements 🌿 Greenery and planting 💡 Improved lighting 🖼️ Window art and displays ✨ Other enhancements to improve visual appeal The £30,000 fund forms part of Preston BID’s wider programme to enhance the city centre environment and support the businesses that make it thrive. Eligible businesses will need to provide 50% match funding, and applications must be submitted before any works begin. Applications are now open: bit.ly/BIDShopFrontScheme

The future governance of Lancashire is once again under discussion, with proposals for the county to move towards a Mayoral Combined Authority led by an elected Mayor. As Lancashire's largest independent business membership organisation, @Lancschamber believes it is essential to take a position which reflects the views of the wider business community. Recent discussions across #Lancashire have highlighted potential opportunities around greater devolution, increased investment, stronger representation with central government and enhanced powers over transport, skills and economic development. However, questions also remain regarding costs, accountability, governance arrangements and the practical benefits for businesses. Before the Chamber adopts a formal position, they want to hear directly from #Preston based businesses. As a business owner/operator, you are invited to complete this short survey to help understand: • Your level of support or opposition to an elected Mayor for Lancashire. • The opportunities you believe an elected Mayor could bring to the county. • Any concerns you may have regarding costs, bureaucracy or governance. • The economic priorities which should be addressed through future devolution. Your feedback will help shape the Chamber's response to Government and other stakeholders and ensure that the voice of Lancashire businesses is clearly represented in the debate. The survey should take no more than five minutes to complete and all responses will be treated in confidence. Findings will be reported in aggregate form only. Take the survey here: surveymonkey.com/r/77R7G5H

FINALISTS REVEALED IN HIGH STREET HEROES AWARDS AFTER RECORD PUBLIC VOTE The finalists in this year's High Street Heroes Awards have been announced, following a record-breaking response from the public. A combined 84,000 thousand vote were cast, recognising the outstanding businesses and individuals who make Preston's city centre such a special place. The awards, organised by Preston BID in partnership with Visit Preston, celebrate the retailers, hospitality venues, leisure businesses and independent operators that go above and beyond to deliver outstanding customer experiences and help create a vibrant city centre. This year's awards attracted the highest number of public votes since the competition began, demonstrating the strong support local people have for Preston's high street businesses and the people behind them. The finalists will now look ahead to the High Street Heroes Awards ceremony on Wednesday, October 7, where this year's winners will be crowned in front of fellow businesses, partners and invited guests. Mark Whittle, from Preston BID, said: "The response to this year's awards has been phenomenal. Receiving a record number of public votes shows just how passionate people are about supporting Preston's fantastic high street businesses. “Every finalist should be incredibly proud of reaching this stage, having been recognised by the customers and communities they serve. “We look forward to celebrating their achievements and crowning this year's winners at what promises to be another fantastic awards ceremony in October." Councillor Anna Hindle, Cabinet Member for Arts and Culture at Preston City Council, said: “Congratulations to all the finalists at this year’s High Street Heroes Awards. “With an amazing number of votes, it’s apparent that Preston is supported by fantastic people dedicated to enabling our city to thrive and be a great place to live, work, and visit. “We’re honoured to support and host the awards in our own venue at The Guild Lounge. “Preston has a unique range of successful chains and inspirational, flourishing independent businesses, and we wish all the finalists every success at this year’s awards.” The High Street Heroes Awards recognise excellence across a range of categories, shining a spotlight on the businesses and individuals who help make Preston city centre a welcoming and thriving destination. The full list of finalists can be seen here: high-street-heroes.co.uk/ The winners will be announced, together with the winners of the ‘Bloom Your Business’ competition, at the High Street Heroes Awards ceremony, on Wednesday, 7th October in the Guild Lounge.