More than fifty local business leaders met at Accrington Stanley Football Club to make a difference for the next generation, with the aim of developing the northern town.
On 18 January, local business owners gave their time to hear an address from Andy Holt, Accrington Stanley’s owner.
Holt explained why he engaged with the club, saying: “18 months ago everyone was suspicious, no one trusted me and no one wanted to change. While a football club is a business, it is a very different sort of business.
“I am very glad I did it, what we are doing is building a great community club at a pace on and off the pitch, it’s just like #AmazingAccrington – somebody needs to do something.”
Chris Maguire, editor of Business Cloud magazine, followed with a very entertaining address supported by audience participation. He demonstrated his point that the only people who can change perceptions about somewhere are the people in the place. He gave the opinion that #AmazingAccrington is “the sum of great things – Accrington has some great things going for it and if it is to drive forward to the next level it needs champions, the people here today, who can focus on what’s amazing about the town.”
Holt presented Maguire with a genuine original Accrington Nori brick – famous throughout the world and used in amazing buildings including the Empire State Building USA, Blackpool Tower and Battersea Power Station.
Clare Cleary, portfolio holder for regeneration at Hyndburn Borough Council, was the final speaker. She commented: “This is a fantastic event, a good sounding board for ideas and a forum to discuss how the business leaders can help Accrington flourish.”
Cleary spoke about The Huncoat Housing Zone, the Frontier Park Employment Zone and the need for the town centre to diversify and be different so as to stimulate the town centre economy.
Commenting on the atmosphere during the meeting, Cleary went on to say: “It’s inspiring to see such a great turnout and the room had a wonderful, positive feeling. Being a strong partnership is what leads to promoting all the great things in the borough. Engagement like this will make a real difference for the next generation in our local community. I’m grateful to every one of the many business leaders that gave their time today; they truly care about Hyndburn and its people.”
The #AmazingAccrington business leaders group is all about promoting confidence in business. Through enthusiasm, support and celebrating achievements, aspirations can be raised for the future generations of the borough.
With council collaboration and key business involvement the view is to boost the local economy by working in partnership with as many of the 1,700 registered businesses in Hyndburn as possible.
A member’s #AmazingAccrington club subscription will be launched in February and the next meeting will be held on 19 April. For more information please register interest online to be invited to come along to the next meeting.
A similar business scheme is run by League One club AFC Wimbledon.
