NETWORKING & INVESTMENT IN BLACKPOOL

The Minister of Tourism's visit to Blackpool earlier this week was among the key talking points at The Gazette's Fylde Means Business networking event today.

David Cam, Company Secretary and Director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, spoke of John Penrose MP's visit to the resort earlier this week and of the key issues facing tourism businesses.

As a champion of the industry, he praised the work of many attractions to promote Blackpool as a family tourist destination with significant investments to attract 'lapsed' visitors to experience the new promenade, the Sandcastle, Blackpool Tower and the Pleasure Beach.

He called on businesses and individuals to help promote a 'Buy British' culture, more innovative solutions to car parking charges as well as discussing the failed casino bid, the minimum wage and other key issues for Blackpool including attracting political party conferences back to the resort, better transportation links and quality accommodation accreditation.

There was also an informative talk from Andy Barton of MUSE Developments, owned by Salford Quays based Morgan Sindall, about the plans for the emerging Blackpool Business District. The regeneration scheme for the area around Blackpool North train station includes plans for new retail and office space and has been in the planning stages for the last six years.

ICG Brandbuilders is the PR agency for Blackpool Zoo and provides PR and design services for a variety of businesses on the Fylde coast including BAE Systems in Warton, Twelve Restaurant & Lounge Bar in Thornton Cleveleys and Freeport Fleetwood as part of the Realm group.

ICG's design team also worked closely with Morgan Sindall to compile an extensive bid document for the 'Building Schools for the Future' project in May 2010.