Martin Blunt serves as the Head of the Enterprise and Engagement Unit at the University of Central Lancashire, where he leads a multidisciplinary team. Since graduating, Martin has dedicated his career to the learning and development sector. He has worked to improve education, ensure compliance, support businesses, and develop skills, helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Martin builds networks and opportunities for businesses across the Northwest and nationally, offering tailored solutions for enterprises of all sizes.

He oversees a comprehensive range of services, including Degree Apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 7, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, Continuous Professional Development, research, consultancy, and business incentives. Martin’s work drives knowledge exchange and supports businesses in accessing grants, ensuring impactful collaborations and sustainable growth.

Cllr Lynn Williams is the Leader of Blackpool Labour Group and honoured to be the first female Leader of Blackpool Council. She currently holds the portfolio for Tourism, Arts and Culture, having previously held the roles of Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member and Statutory Leader Member for Children’s Services, Portfolio holder of Adults and Health and Chair of both BHC and BCH Boards. She was also Chair of the Planning Committee for over 4 years, a role she very much enjoyed. Lynn is a mother of two and works as a Solicitor in Blackpool town centre.

Lynn is passionate about Claremont Ward, which she has represented since 2015 and is Chair of Blackpool Magic Club, Chair of Claremont Park Community Centre and sits on the board of the Blackpool Citizens Advice Bureau, with whom she has volunteered for almost 30 years.

Throughout her various past and present roles, Lynn is keen to show that children and young people are a priority to her and continues to work with the Council and community partners to ensure the focus remains on them.

Lynn became the Leader of the Council during 2020 when the country was in the midst of the Covid pandemic, and oversaw the excellent response of Blackpool Council. Lynn was elected as Leader again following the May 2023 elections.

Being Leader of the Council in her home town is especially important to Lynn, which is why she is committed to the town’s regeneration and housing, improving the facilities for both residents and
visitors.

Sarah Hall is the Director of B&FC for Business at Blackpool and The Fylde College. She began her career in the private sector, leading the sales team for a regional newspaper. Over the following two decades, Sarah held various leadership roles in the newspaper industry, gaining valuable experience and insights. After this, she successfully ran her own publishing business, further honing her entrepreneurial skills.

Sarah subsequently transitioned to the education sector, where she now focuses on skills and apprenticeships. She collaborates with local, regional, and national employers to support economic growth through skill development. Her extensive background in both the private sector and education uniquely positions her to drive impactful initiatives at Blackpool and The Fylde College. Sarah is passionate about supporting the skills agenda, enabling businesses and individuals to flourish.

Craig is the managing director of Blackwatch Associates, a management consultancy that provides services to businesses across a variety of sectors. With over 25 years of experience in the Education & Skills sector, he has held senior roles for Colleges and National Training providers, focusing on External Funding, Partnerships, Business Development, Employability and Apprenticeship Programme delivery. He is passionate about Apprenticeships and has gained all of his qualifications vocationally. Working with the NWAAN he provides a link with the DfE to align regional activities to the regional Business Plan objectives, builds relationships with local authorities, careers hubs, apprenticeship hubs, and sector bodies to foster regional interaction. As part of the Employer & Strategic Networks team at the ESFA Craig worked on the national AAN refresh, supporting the development of 9 Regional networks. He is also a Director for a Multi Academy Trust of 13 schools and a Theatrical Company.

Louise Sydenham is Deputy CEO of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, lobbying for the members and the wider East Lancashire business community, providing advice, support and commercial services, specialising in international trade, procurement, creative services, sustainability and professional business training. Having joined the company in 2002, Louise is responsible for all financial aspects of running the Chamber and is working for the businesses of East Lancashire to promote strong local economies and inward investment.

Louise has gained extensive financial and business experience throughout her career to date, qualifying as a Chartered Management Accountant in 2008 and served as an independent member of Burnley Borough Council’s audit and standards committee from 2002 to 2021 and as a governor and audit committee member of a local FE college from 2014 to 2018.

Will Burns serves as the Forum Manager for the Lancashire Work Based Learning Executive Forum, where he leads the organisation in fostering collaboration and driving excellence in work-based learning across the region. Will brings a unique blend of experience to this role, transitioning from a professional football career to a dedicated path within the education and skills sector. Forced to retire from football at the age of 22 due to injury, Will's journey began with an employability course, which sparked his passion for education. He quickly transitioned from participant to facilitator, demonstrating a natural aptitude for supporting others.
This initial success led him to roles within apprenticeship teams and the development of a new commercial arm for a training provider, where he successfully built and expanded business operations.

Will's career highlights include building apprenticeship programs with prominent organisations such as Babington Business College and Catch22. During his time at Catch22, he also founded and ran a mental health charity for five years, showcasing his commitment to community wellbeing. Following redundancy during the Covid-19 pandemic, Will continued his impactful work, balancing self-employment with his charity
responsibilities.

In 2021, Will took on a curriculum lead role, developing housing curriculum for a national provider, and subsequently progressed to Learner Engagement Manager and Apprenticeship Area Manager. Throughout his career, Will has also served as a designated safeguarding lead, demonstrating his commitment to the safety and welfare of learners.

Will's diverse experience, from professional sports to community leadership and curriculum development, equips him to effectively lead the Lancashire Work Based Learning Executive Forum. His dedication to education, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit, drives him to create impactful opportunities for learners and employers across Lancashire.