Cllr Kath Benson was first elected to Blackpool Council in 2000 until 2007. Then from 2014 onwards. She is the council’s joint longest serving councillor
She became Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning from 2016 – 2019, Cabinet Member for Schools, Education and Aspiration from 2019 – 2022 and since 2023 has been Cabinet Member for Young People and Aspiration.
In 2024 – 2025 she served as Mayor of Blackpool.
Kath works for the NHS employed in a Blackpool Community Nursing Team supporting Adults with a learning disability and with their Health needs.
In her spare time Kath enjoys reading and following BFC.

Katherine Higgins is the Business Development Team Manager at B and FC for Business.

She joined Blackpool and The Fylde College in 2013 after starting her career in the private sector in sales and marketing. After supporting industry-specific courses and admissions, Katherine progressed within five years to become Contact Centre Manager: overseeing teams working with large local, regional and national employers.

She has worked closely with apprentices since 2017 and has also completed a Higher Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management. This first-hand experience enables Katherine to offer employers a clear perspective informed by both professional practice and lived apprentice experience.

Katherine has extensive involvement in supporting employers of all sizes and is passionate about developing proposals that deliver added value for employers, apprentices and driving skills-led economic growth.

Ste is the Emerging Talent Lead at Matalan, overseeing their Early Careers programmes which includes Apprenticeships, Graduates, Placements and Work Experience. Over the course of his career, he has developed extensive expertise in the design, implementation, and management of apprenticeship programmes, playing a pivotal role in attracting, nurturing, and developing emerging talent. With over 15 years’ experience in the apprenticeship sector, he has worked extensively across education, including with private training providers and further education institutions. In addition, he has contributed to Learning and Development functions within both the private and third sectors, developing a well-rounded understanding of workforce development across diverse organisational settings.

A passionate advocate for apprenticeship progression, he brings authentic insight to his work, having begun his own professional journey as a Business Administration Level 2 apprentice. This firsthand experience underpins his commitment to creating meaningful pathways that enable apprentices to thrive and advance in their careers

Graham White is the Chief Executive Officer of the Lancaster & Morecambe Chamber of Commerce, where he leads the organisation’s mission to support, connect and champion the region’s business community. His career spans hospitality, education, sales, event management, market research and digital marketing, giving him a uniquely rounded perspective on the skills and workforce needs of local employers.

Before joining the Chamber, Graham held senior roles including Head of Account Management in digital marketing, Commercial Manager in the education sector, and leadership positions within hospitality. This varied background has shaped his commitment to high‑quality training, customer‑focused service and creating opportunities for people to grow and progress in work.

Graham is a passionate advocate for apprenticeships and technical education. At the Chamber, he works closely with local employers, education providers, and partners to highlight the impact that emerging talent brings to organisations of all sizes and to promote apprenticeships as a vital route for developing talent and strengthening the local economy. His cross‑sector experience gives him a strong appreciation of how practical learning routes help build capable, adaptable, and future‑ready teams.

Since becoming CEO in 2024, Graham has led the Chamber through a period of renewed energy and engagement, delivering more than 50 events a year, strengthening partnerships, raising the voice of local businesses, and celebrating the creativity and ambition that define the region. His leadership is rooted in collaboration, community, and the belief that business can be a powerful force for positive change.

Graham is passionate about championing the achievements of apprentices and the employers who support them, recognising their role in building a skilled, confident, and future‑ready workforce.

Rebecca is an advocate for the positive impact of apprenticeships. They are passionate about empowering individuals through skills development and recognise the significant benefits apprenticeships bring to both apprentices and employers. Having personally seen the advantages of these programmes, Rebecca is dedicated to encouraging more organisations to embrace apprenticeships. Their goal is to support pathways to careers, enhance workforce capabilities, and demonstrate how apprenticeships serve as a key driver of economic growth and innovation across the UK.