Lancashire’s universities sign landmark co-operation deal ‘to help county flourish’

Lancashire’s three universities have committed to working together to boost opportunities for the county - and tackle the challenges it faces.

The University of Lancashire, Lancaster University and Edge Hill University - together with The University of Cumbria - have signed a new agreement that will see them co-operate with each other and the public sector in an attempt to attract more investment into the sub-region. The hoped-for cash could come via shared research bids and by securing government support.

Creating “a stronger shared narrative” for Lancashire and Cumbria is one of the six ambitions of the Civic Universities Agreement (CUA).

The others involve a focus on creating connected communities, driving economic growth, developing a skilled workforce, reducing health and social inequalities, and supporting environmental sustainability.

In a joint statement, the four university Vice Chancellors said: “The Civic Universities Agreement is a demonstration of our commitment to work collaboratively for the benefit of our communities and take a longer-term, strategic approach across Lancashire and Cumbria.

“This milestone moment is the result of careful debate and deliberation over three years.

“Together, we will harness our knowledge and talent to enable our rural, coastal and urban places to prosper and flourish.

“Our universities are rooted in our local area. This agreement will strengthen our ability to work with partners to create opportunities, support inclusive economic growth and transform the lives and livelihoods of people across Lancashire and Cumbria, both now and for future generations.

“As anchor institutions, we have an important role to play in using our education, research and partnerships to make a lasting difference in our communities.”

Initial projects include developing the Lancashire Data Observatory - an alliance carrying out sub-regional research and analysis - and producing a roadmap for universities to address skills gaps.

Lancaster, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen councils have also put their names to the deal, along with the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) devolution body, Westmorland and Furness Council, Lancaster District CVS, Lancaster and Morecambe College, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust and the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Commissioning Board.

Coun Lynn Williams, chair of the LCCA’s economic advisory board and leader of Blackpool Council, said that the county’s “world-established universities are part of what makes Lancashire great”.

“They aren’t just about training people up with degrees and skills, but they are large economic drivers for our county. As well as bringing students from all over the world, their research arms bring in international investment and are deeply embedded in helping our best local businesses to grow, innovate and create jobs.

“This is another really positive step forward for Lancashire, as we create a shared narrative around living and investing in our red rose county,” Cllr Williams added.

The four universities already have an established history of working together on projects for the benefit of the wider North West. Their collaboration has previously helped attract major government investment in initiatives such as the development of the National Cyber Force headquarters in Samlesbury and the Eden Project Morecambe - as well as creating what they describe as “a competitive research and innovation ecosystem”, funding from which has helped to grow the regional economy.

A Civic Universities Group was established in 2023 to coordinate the universities’ engagement with new pan-regional initiatives, including devolution, the Lancashire Growth Plan, Cumbria’s Economic Strategy and national investment in defence and national security infrastructure.

The new agreement is intended to provide a framework to align, strengthen and enhance existing work, while identifying opportunities for new initiatives.

County Coun Brian Moore, cabinet member for economic development and growth at Lancashire County Council, said the CUA “recognises the valuable role universities play in the communities they serve.

He added: “The commitment to work together to secure investment, address challenges such as skills gaps and create new opportunities for our communities is very welcome.

“I look forward to building on the strong partnerships emerging from this agreement to grow our local economy and make Lancashire and Cumbria even more attractive places to live, work and invest.”

Meanwhile, Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Phil Riley, added: “We are rightly proud of the quality of universities that are on our doorstep. We know that a lot of our young people chose to stay local for their further education and we want to keep that talent to help our places prosper.

“Having access to the research and expertise at all of these universities is invaluable. This is brilliant timing as we move to having a Mayoral Strategic Authority in Lancashire.”

Progress against the CUA's objectives will be reviewed annually, with a steering board providing oversight and a delivery group responsible for developing and implementing specific projects.