Business Mentors in Lancashire

With 52,000 businesses generating £34bn per year, Lancashire has a thriving economy. The county is a recognised world-leader in aerospace, advanced engineering and manufacturing, energy, and higher education excellence. Lancashire has bred many well-known people such as Ian McKellen, Eric Morcombe, Nick Park, Andrew Flintoff as well as some very successful businesses Holland's Pies.

Holland’s started life deep in the heart of Lancashire. In 1851 Mr John Whittaker opened a small business on Lower Deardengate in Haslingden – a confectionary shop full of tasty treats selling pies as well as cakes and bread to hungry locals, but before long the company had outgrown its base and in 1929 took over a disused cotton mill in Baxenden. Working alongside his stepdaughter Sarah, Mr Whittaker built up his busy family-run business and it wasn’t long before extra help was needed. It was at this stage that Richard Holland from Chester joined the team as an apprentice and became the son in law. Hollands pies are famous the world over.

Another successful more recent company is Elektec; a commercial and industrial electricians company based in Darwen, which is run by husband and wife, Charlotte and Karl Knowles. Karl started an apprenticeship as an electrician in 2008, but was made redundant from the company and struggled to find a job that fit his family lifestyle. A very successful business run by husband and wife, Charlotte and Karl Knowles, they offer help and offer free services to charities and to the community at large, with the pandemic being one of the turning points where the business offered free PAT testing to various places. Charlotte is also very creative and her hand-painted mural artwork, which took her more than 50 hours to complete is on display in the Strikers’ Lounge, based in the Blackburn End, which provides a safe and family-friendly environment for fans to enjoy on matchdays. It is part of the voluntary work she carries out to support local charities and businesses who are making a positive difference in their community.