Burnley crowned most enterprising place in Britain

Burnley has been named the most enterprising place in Britain, owing to its ‘Bondholders’ scheme.

The Enterprising Britain Awards identified the market town for its innovative scheme in which hundreds of local firms worked to promote the destination.

Burnley was one of four UK winners, including The Premier League, Hackney Council and Aberdeen College.

Cllr Julie Cooper, leader of Burnley Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Burnley.

“We are punching above our weight and we have big ambitions. Burnley is well on its way to forging a strong international reputation as a centre of excellence for manufacturing, particularly in the aerospace industry.

“This award reflects Burnley’s growing stature in showing the way to the rest of the country in promoting manufacturing in Britain and puts us on the map as a place where enterprise and innovation are thriving.

“It’s great that we’re the most enterprising area in the UK but it’s only the start. It reflects what’s happening in our town but it’s nowhere near the end of the story. Work which is underway to create an innovative aerospace ‘supply village’ in the former Michelin tyre factory is just one excellent example of how an old manufacturing site that was symbolic of Britain’s industrial past is being transformed into a shining example of our country’s high-tech manufacturing future.

“Burnley - Britain’s most enterprising area – absolutely right.”

Business and Enterprise Minister Michael Fallon said: “The Burnley Bondholders scheme is reinvigorating the local economy and helping to change perceptions of Burnley. Initiatives like this are working hard to boost growth and thoroughly deserve recognition and the opportunity to represent the UK at the European Awards in November.”