Manufacturing has the power to drive growth in Lancashire

Westinghouse, which operates nuclear fuel manufacturing facility Springfields, near Preston, said the industry remained key to the economic health of the county by outpacing even the powerhouse service sector.

Figures from the Lancashire Quarterly Economic Survey, compiled by the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, showed orders both at home and abroad remained strong with manufacturers enjoying stronger confidence and intentions to recruit.

Westinghouse has signed up as a sponsor for one of the North West’s biggest business awards, the Be Inspired Business Awards, the BIBAs, which is open for applications for 19 prizes up for grabs at this year’s awards.

Nick Jones, stakeholder relations manager, said: “Manufacturing has consistently been a major employer and economic driver in Lancashire and it remains so.

“The sector finished 2014 on a high and has started this year strongly driven by improvements in the European export market with investment and recruitment intentions.

“It is crucial that we do everything we can at a local, national and international level to continue to power our manufacturing industry which provides employment and prosperity for so many in Lancashire.”

Westinghouse’s AP1000 reactor design was chosen for the new nuclear power station due to be built at Moorside, alongside the existing Sellafield site. The firm will be involved in the BIBAs judging process which will get underway after the April 10 deadline for entries.