Downtown spreads its wings

BUSINESS networking and lobbying group Downtown Preston in Business (DPIB) is to rebrand as Professional Lancashire and spread its reach across the county.

The group has 125 member companies and believes it can draw new members from beyond Preston’s boundaries.

Chairman Frank McKenna said: “Downtown Preston has been a great success for us, but to maximise our impact, and to offer the private sector the strongest possible voice, we think it is time to create a pan-Lancashire business club that can bring the business community together across the county.

“When you look at what Downtown does, create business networks and advocate business friendly policies, it makes sense to extend the offer county wide.”

Professional Lancashire will be formally launched in 2011 and the DPIB brand will continue to run alongside it.