Cuadrilla boss believes major projects can ‘drive Lancashire’s economy’

Francis Egan, chief executive of shale gas firm Cuadrilla Resources, has said he believes projects like a new M6 link road being created at Heysham, the proposals to develop Preston city centre and projects associated with shale gas can provide huge investment and job creation.

He believes a multi-million pound shale gas industry, which would unlock natural gas locked in shale rock under Lancashire, has the potential to create thousands of jobs in the county and North West region.

For the second year running, Cuadrilla has signed up to be a sponsor for one of the Lancashire’s biggest business awards, the Be Inspired Business Awards, the BIBAs, which are now open for applications.

Mr Egan said: “Construction is a bellwether industry for the economy, it is often the first to feel the effects of difficult times and also the first to pick up when things get better.

“In Lancashire, there are a large number of huge construction projects which have the potential to spark real growth within our industry.

“The new M6 link road at Heysham is already creating jobs including for people who have been long-term unemployed, so the benefits are already being felt.”

Cuadrilla is one of a number of high-profile companies which has signed up to sponsor the BIBAs, the most-established business awards in Lancashire.

It is joined by global mega-brand Saatchi and Saatchi, and includes chartered accountants Moore and Smalley, nuclear firm Westinghouse and UCLan.