Preston City Centre BID

Preston Business Improvement District (BID) has been granted a further five year term, following a ballot of eligible businesses in Preston city centre.

The result provides a renewed mandate for Preston BID to continue working with businesses and partners to support the city centre, strengthen the local business community and contribute to Preston’s ongoing development as a place to work, visit, shop and invest.

84% of businesses who voted, voted in favour of the BID’s continuation. The successful ballot reflects the importance of collaboration between businesses and stakeholders in helping shape the future of Preston city centre.

This means that the BID will continue as the only democratically elected organisation representing businesses in Preston city centre.

Are you confident your business is paying the right amount for its energy?

With energy costs continuing to put pressure on businesses, knowing where to look for savings can make a real difference.

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Join @Lancschamber's forthcoming free webinar, with @weareSEFirst.

lancschamber.co.uk/events/?B3ADD8…

Fantastic news for the city, hopefully, he'll get the opportunity to meet some of #Preston's brilliant businesses.

Government funding package announced to encourage greater adoption of Cyber Essentials across UK businesses.

The package offers two separate funding opportunities:

Cyber Essentials First Step Fund

75% discount on the cost of a new Cyber Essentials Certification for eligible UK micro, small and medium sized businesses
government estimates 6,000 businesses can benefit from this
Available for organisations who have not been certified in the last
Funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and is available until March 2027, or until funds are exhausted.

Applications are available through IASME: firststep.iasme.co.uk

Cyber Essentials Pledge- Cyber Essentials for Suppliers Grant

Available to selected eligible UK SME suppliers in the supply chains of Cyber Resilience Pledge signatories.
Selected suppliers can receive fully funded Cyber Essentials certification, alongside tailored support from an NCSC-assured Cyber Advisor
The government has committed up to £7 million to this initiative, running until march 2029
Government estimates that approximately 8,000 businesses could benefit from this funding

Pledge signatories can register their interest by contacting info@iasme.co.uk

Further details are available via the link below:
gov.uk/government/new…

EYES Opticians open on Fishergate, on Saturday 28 November.

EYES is a new independent opticians bringing a modern, premium optical experience to Preston city centre.

Their practice will offer free eye tests to the local community, alongside an extensive selection of designer eyewear, including Tom Ford, Ray-Ban, Ralph Lauren, Emporio Armani, Max Mara and Guess.

Make sure to check them out!