Other News: Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology – Collaboration will help region build on its potential

5th March 26

Technological advances are changing the face of our economy. From AI to innovation in clean energy and manufacturing, Lancashire is at the forefront of opportunity.

But there are measures we need to ensure everyone is on a level footing. 

Organisations must be given the same opportunities to grow if we are to have a thriving community.

It’s no secret that collaboration is key to enabling business growth. The Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology, a collaboration of eight colleges and three universities, has championed partnerships since its inception. We’re stronger when we work together, education listening to business needs, working together to create courses that give people the skills they need to make an impact.

The government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, published in 2025, attests to the value of collaboration if the UK is to build on its potential. Its eight high-growth sectors somewhat mirror our own six key sectors of clean energy and sustainability, construction, digital and cyber, engineering and manufacturing, health and science and processional services.

But more needs to be done to help businesses capitalise on the potential. The report states that the gains from AI innovation could add up to £47 billion a year for the UK in productivity over the next decade, but says only 18 per cent of businesses have adopted AI.  

While we may refute that in our region, the national figure is a wake-up call. The strategy confirms a commitment to encourage engagement and investment from employers to build talent pipelines, an approach we know works. 

In areas like construction, two of our academic partners are involved in more collaboration. Blackpool and the Fylde College and East Lancashire Learning Group are part of the North West Construction Technical Excellence College, which focuses on boosting modern and green construction skills. 

The recent Budget gave small businesses a greater incentive to hire and train young people, with apprenticeships for under-25s now fully funded, which was welcome news.

The message from education is clear, we remain committed to working together in whichever way we can to ensure that talent pipeline our businesses need. 

By Linda Dean, managing director of the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology