What does the Lancashire Growth Plan mean for us & our research?" Invitation to PACT Convention, Weds 22 April, University of Lancashire

11am-3.15pm, Wednesday 22 April 2026
Engineering Innovation Centre, University of Lancashire, Preston campus

Register for PACT Convention, 22 April 2026 – Fill in form
The Lancashire Combined County Authority (Lancashire County Council plus Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen Unitary Authorities) published the Lancashire Growth Plan in September 2025. The University of Lancashire aims to support the Plan’s aims through the research it carries out. But how much do you know about the Plan’s contents and its implications for research?
Our annual PACT Convention this year will be an opportunity to explore the Lancashire Growth Plan in more depth and understand the opportunities it presents for us to take forward meaningful research in collaboration with local partners.
You will be welcome to join us for all or any part of the day:

• 11am–1pm         Andy Walker, Head of Business Growth, Place Directorate, Lancashire County Council, and Matthew Guest, Head of Regional Business Engagement, University of Lancashire, will lead our discussion of the Growth Plan.
• 1pm–1.45          Lunch, with an opportunity to chat and view a poster display of recent research and projects.
• 1.45–3.15pm    Short presentations of emerging research and knowledge exchange activity with a connection to Growth Plan themes: net zero and clean growth, skills development, and health and wellbeing. We would love your feedback and thoughts.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
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Attendance is free and all are welcome. Attendance may be particularly useful for people seeking more insight into the local policy landscape and to develop stronger research connections with the University. Please register via the link above.