Market Update: Burnley business leaders lobby government – town’s economy “consistently punches above its weight” – Full Analysis

A delegation of business leaders from across Burnley have travelled to Westminster to highlight the town’s economic strengths and growth aspirations.

About 40 representatives of the Burnley Bondholders – a 200-strong business network that collectively champions and lobbies on behalf of Burnley – were hosted at the House of Lords by Lord Wajid Khan of Burnley and Oliver Ryan MP.

The group – which included leaders from Panaz, Safran Nacelles, VEKA plc, BCW, Fagan & Whalley, Burnley College, Stolle, CRC Evans and more – asked ministers and MPs to consider Northern towns like Burnley when creating policies.

While medium-sized businesses make up only 0.7 per cent of businesses nationally, this figure is 1.9 per cent in Burnley, accounting for a significant proportion of the borough’s employment.

They stated that for growth to continue, more central government support is required.

Neil Evans, chair of Burnley Bondholders and MD of VEKA plc, said: “Burnley is sometimes talked about in terms of its past.

“We’re proud of that history, but we headed to Westminster to talk about the present – and the future. The Burnley Bondholders represent around 200 businesses across manufacturing, engineering, digital, retail, hospitality and education.

“Together, we form an economy that consistently punches above its weight. Manufacturing and engineering alone account for around 16 per cent of all employment, making Burnley one of the most manufacturing-intensive places in the country.”

He added: “That matters nationally. At a time when productivity, exports and resilience are high on the agenda, places like Burnley are not on the margins of the debate; they are central to it.

“Burnley sits within the North West’s advanced engineering and aerospace cluster, the largest in Europe, contributing billions to the UK economy.

“Within the borough are globally significant firms such as Safran Nacelles, BCW, HycAero, Velocity Composites and Paradigm Precision, alongside long-established manufacturers like ourselves VEKA plc and AMS Neve.

Simon Keegan spoke to AMS Neve’s Mark Crabtree for the latest edition of the North West Business Insider.

“Burnley didn’t go down to Parliament asking for special treatment. We went to say: this is what we do well, this is what we’re building, and we’re ready to play our part.

“If we’re serious about long-term growth, productivity and opportunity across the country, then places like Burnley have to be right there in the conversation, as partners in shaping the future, not spectators on the sidelines.”

Senior leaders from Burnley College travelled as part of the Burnley Bondholders delegation.

Principal Jason Faulkner and Neil Burrows, director of skills and innovation, helped showcase the pivotal role Burnley College and Themis play in driving skills development, supporting employers and strengthening the regional economy. 

Neil Burrows said: “Burnley is built on industry, innovation and hard work. Themis at Burnley College is proud to be at the heart of that progress, developing the talent and technical excellence that local and national employers rely on.”

Jason Faulkner added: “Our message at Westminster was clear. Together, we are louder and stronger.

“We have the partnerships, the work ethic and the communities. Investing in Burnley means investing in skills, productivity and long-term economic growth.” 

Chris Bryant MP, minister for trade, and Lucy Rigby KC MP,  economic secretary to the treasury, both attended and spoke at the event.

They both acknowledged that places like Burnley are important and must be listened to. In particular, they highlighted how family-owned and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the economy, while our micro and small businesses are collectively important to GDP and should be taken seriously.

Following the event, the Burnley Bondholders will continue to ask for more policy support from government and welcome those ministers and MPs who committed to visiting the borough to find out more.