Our proposals for growth
To fully realise the opportunities outlined in this Growth Plan, the LCCA will unite local and national partners to champion the region’s unique assets and unlock their full potential.
Our local commitment
To achieve our vision for growth, we will:
- focus new devolved powers and resources on unblocking and delivering transformational growth through targeted investment in economic development, transport, and skills
- mobilise business leaders and local communities to promote Lancashire’s strengths and attract investment
- invest in a data observatory that combines research and business insight to support evidence-led decision-making and the development of business and investment cases for projects
Securing government partnerships
Lancashire is seeking targeted policy and investment support from government to help deliver our 12 transformational projects. These projects will accelerate growth and deliver nationally significant outcomes across the following areas:
National recognition of strategic industrial strengths
Lancashire’s advanced engineering and manufacturing corridor is of national importance. We seek recognition and support for:
- the Global Combat Air Programme, a UK-led initiative with Italy and Japan to develop a sixth- generation stealth fighter. Development is set to begin in 2025, with production from 2035, involving up to 1,000 suppliers across the three nations
- the Zero Emission HGV Supply Chain, led by DAF – Leyland Trucks, focusing on battery electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, creating opportunities for new suppliers and technologies
- the AUKUS Submarine Programme, a trilateral agreement between the UK, US, and Australia to develop nuclear-powered submarines. BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness is expanding its workforce from 10,000 to 17,000 to support this and the Dreadnought programme, offering significant supply chain opportunities for Lancashire
- the Rolls-Royce SMR Programme, which aims to deliver factory-built nuclear power plants. This initiative is expected to create 40,000 jobs in the UK by 2050 and generate £52 billion in economic benefit, with over 80 percent of each SMR’s value sourced from the UK supply chain
- digital transformation across Lancashire’s advanced engineering and manufacturing, defence, health, and public services sectors
Strengthening the advanced engineering and manufacturing supply chain
To secure Lancashire’s share of these opportunities, we propose:
- investment in a Lancashire supply chain hub and a STEAM centre of excellence to address skills shortages, upskill the current workforce, and attract new talent
- support for small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt digital technologies, improve productivity, and integrate into local and cross- sector supply chains
- assistance for SMEs to diversify into new markets, including the creation of a dedicated cluster for small modular reactors
- support for international supply chain partnerships with countries such as Australia, Italy, Japan, and the United States, building on university-led global networks
- collaboration between academic institutions and industry to commercialise technologies aligned with regional strengths
- investment in digitisation and equipment upgrades to enable rapid scaling of businesses and meet demand across aerospace, automotive, defence, energy, and space sectors
Digital and cyber innovation
Lancashire is well-positioned to lead in digital and cyber innovation. We are seeking investment to support the National Cyber Force HQ and associated programmes in research, skills, and industry engagement including:
- advancing place-based initiatives such as the Blackburn Cyber and Skills Campus and Innovation Quarter, as part of the wider Blackburn Growth Axis
- advancing Preston Station Quarter proposals as part of the Preston Regeneration Board
- expanding the Multiversity skills campus in Blackpool to support digital and technical education
Energy affordability and clean growth
To remain competitive, the UK must address high energy costs. Lancashire calls for:
- investment in clean energy infrastructure to reduce business costs and unlock growth
- alignment of green jobs and skills programmes with devolved funding to support the transition to a low-carbon economy
Industries of the future
Lancashire is ready to lead in emerging industries by building on existing capabilities. We are seeking support to:
- develop sovereign uranium enrichment capacity at Springfields Fuels to support future nuclear reactors
- support the transition to new nuclear at Heysham power stations
- advance autonomous flight technologies for civil, military, and space applications at the Altitude Facility in Warton
- deliver the Silicon Sands low-carbon data centre at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone and secure national recognition as an AI Growth Zone
- build the Green Economy by exploiting the AMRC’s Low Carbon Smart Factory Demonstrator - a unique facility in the UK
Skills and workforce development
To meet the demands of a changing economy, Lancashire must refocus investment in skills and employment. We propose:
- continued support for the Lancashire Careers Hub to help young people transition from education to employment
- local prioritisation of devolved funds, including Skills Bootcamps, Skills and Growth Levy flexibilities, and realignment of 16 to 19 provision to better reflect labour market needs and progression towards an integrated skills and employment deal
- strategic collaboration between local authorities, employers, and training providers to ensure the workforce is equipped for future opportunities
- partnership with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to expand digital, cyber, and AI skills, address digital exclusion, and build on the UK’s largest manufacturing 5G testbed at AMRC to enhance regional connectivity
- alignment of Department for Work and Pensions and Department of Health and Social Care programmes to reduce economic inactivity through integrated work, health, and skills support through devolved funds
- support from DEFRA, DCMS, and National Lottery distributors to align arts, heritage, rural development, sport, and civil society programmes with economic growth
- greater collaboration between training providers and industry to co-design and deliver programmes that address workforce gaps
- a return to short, flexible, and modular training models to support upskilling and retraining for working-age adults, helping to embed a culture of lifelong learning
Transport infrastructure
A modern, integrated transport network is essential. We propose:
- upgrades to the M65 Growth Corridor and other key road networks to improve freight movement and unlock economic opportunities
- development of a business case for a fourth River Ribble crossing in Preston
- strategic rail improvements, including new stations, electrification, and reinstatement of key lines to improve east-west connectivity and links to Manchester Airport and the Port of Liverpool
- implementation of dedicated freight rail infrastructure to support high-value manufacturing and attract inward investment
- exploration of light rail networks to connect major population centres and growth zones, improving access to employment
- expansion of Lancashire’s Superbus network to enhance public transport and reduce congestion