In the face of local government reorganisation, the strength of any place is down to its people | Burnley Place Brand Manager Rachel Bayley

It's hard to believe that a month has already passed since the Burnley Business Awards 2026.

The excitement of the evening has settled, the photographs have been shared, and the winners have had the chance to properly celebrate their achievements. Yet I still find myself reflecting on that night. Not because of the heatwave that had us all sweltering in the marquee on the stunning grounds of Towneley Hall. Nor simply because of the awards themselves, although taking the time to recognise success is important. What has stayed with me most is the people who filled the room. The business owners who took a chance and started something from scratch.

The employers creating opportunities for local people. The young people who have thrown everything into their careers here. The individuals who choose to invest their time, energy and resources into making Burnley a better place to live, work and do business. It seemed particularly fitting that, on the same day as the winners' celebration a week later at Finsley Gate Wharf, we also received news about the future shape of local government across Lancashire (granted, it beats the 2024 awards when there was a general election the same day!).

Whatever happens as local government reorganisation progresses, the strength of any place has always come down to its people.

Over the past six years, I've had the privilege of working alongside hundreds of member organisations through the Burnley Bondholders programme. During that time, I've seen first-hand what can happen when businesses unite behind a shared ambition for the borough.

It has become a community of organisations that genuinely care about Burnley and want to play a role in shaping its future and that is something worth holding on to, especially after Burnley.co.uk and the Burnley Bondholders - in partnership with Burnley Council - have been working hard for 16 years to help transform the borough.

A place brand is not a logo, a campaign or fancy videos. It is shaped through the actions and commitment of the people who call that place home, whether for work or personal life. It's the manufacturer investing in apprenticeships. The entrepreneur starting a new venture in their hometown rather than a city. The employer creating jobs. The school inspiring the next generation. The young person who calls out a YouTuber who purposefully comes into the town centre and films just the less desirable parts to fit their stereotype.

As Burnley and wider East Lancashire enters a period of change, that spirit of collaboration feels more important than ever. Whatever future unitary structures may look like or be called, our ambition for Burnley and East Lancashire should remain unchanged. If anything, it should grow stronger.

That's where organisations such as the Burnley Bondholders have an important role to play. Not only in bringing businesses together, but in ensuring their voices remain influential. It's about making sure those who invest here, employ local people and create opportunities are part of shaping what comes next. The Business Awards were a powerful reminder of everything we have to celebrate, during 2026 and beyond.