Technology is changing how businesses operate, communicate with customers and compete. Opportunities are no longer restricted to large organisations with substantial IT departments and technology budgets, any business can now compete
On Wednesday 30 September 2026, business leaders, technology specialists, innovators and support organisations will come together at Accrington Stanley Football Club for Tech Lancashire: Powering Lancashire’s Business Future.
Organised by Hyndburn Borough Council, the free event will explore how technology, innovation, skills and collaboration can help Lancashire businesses grow, improve productivity and remain competitive.
You can register to attend this Free Event here:
Read more about the event below.
Table of Contents and Quick Links
What is Tech Lancashire?
Tech Lancashire is designed to bring together businesses at different stages of their technology journey.
Some organisations are already investing significantly in digital transformation, automation and Artificial Intelligence. Others may simply be looking at how they can improve a particular process, reduce administration or make better use of the information they already hold.
The event will provide practical insight, real-world experiences and opportunities to speak directly with businesses and organisations involved in technology, innovation and business support.
The programme includes presentations, an interactive panel discussion, audience Q&A and networking, giving attendees an opportunity not only to hear about emerging technology but also to discuss how it can be practically applied within their own organisations.
Are You a Future Maker?
A central part of the event will be the “What Makes a Future Maker?” panel discussion, exploring how collaboration, technology, skills and innovation can contribute to business growth.
The panel will include:
- Dan Knowles, Founder of Northern Reach
- Richard Singleton, Founder of whY-us? Marketing
- Cath Rogan, Founder of Smart Garment People & Loombreakers
- Joe Murray, Founder of Small Business Software
- Lee Fogg, Director of 3D 360
The discussion will bring together different perspectives from across business and technology, looking at the opportunities and practical considerations businesses face as technology continues to develop.
Major Technology and Business Support Organisations
Tech Lancashire will host a range of organisations attending alongside the panel.
AMRC – the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre will present on the support available to businesses.
AMRC works with companies ranging from SMEs and start-ups to major manufacturers, helping them use research, innovation and new technologies to improve productivity. Its North West facility at Samlesbury Enterprise Zone is specifically focused on supporting Lancashire businesses to improve productivity, innovate and compete nationally and internationally.
Made Smarter will also be attending, providing an opportunity for manufacturing SMEs to learn more about digital transformation, technology adoption, digital roadmapping, skills development and potential funding for technology investment.
The event also features IN4.0, Growth Agency and 3D 360, bringing further expertise and support into a room designed to connect Lancashire businesses with organisations that can help them explore and adopt new technology.
Helping Smaller Businesses Compete Through Technology
Richard Singleton, Founder of whY-us? Marketing Software, will be joining the panel to provide the perspective of businesses adopting technology at a practical, operational level.
whY-us? Marketing Software builds websites and business management software for businesses of all sizes, helping organisations improve how they manage customers, information, communications and everyday business processes.
A key part of this work is helping businesses understand that technology does not have to be the preserve of Blue Chip organisations.
Modern CRM systems, business management software, workflow automation and AI are making sophisticated capabilities increasingly accessible to SMEs.
Processes that may previously have required multiple employees, separate departments or expensive bespoke systems can increasingly be supported through connected software and automation.
A CRM, for example, can go far beyond maintaining a database of customers. When properly implemented, it can help businesses manage enquiries, customer communications, documents, tasks, workflows, forms, appointments and other processes from connected systems.
Automation can then remove repetitive administrative steps, while AI is creating further opportunities to analyse information, create content, assist employees and improve the speed at which everyday tasks can be completed.
The objective is not simply to introduce more technology. It is to identify where the right technology can make a business more efficient, responsive and competitive.
Technology Can Help Level the Playing Field
One of the most significant opportunities for smaller businesses is the ability to use technology to provide levels of organisation, communication and customer experience that customers may traditionally have associated with much larger companies.
A small business may not have a large customer service department, marketing team or dedicated IT resource.
However, it can use a CRM to manage customer relationships, automation to ensure processes happen consistently, AI to support employees and a professionally developed website to provide customers with information and digital services around the clock.
Used effectively, technology can help SMEs compete with much larger organisations without trying to replicate their headcount or infrastructure.
That is an important conversation for Lancashire businesses as the pace of technological change continues to increase.
Why Attend Tech Lancashire?
Tech Lancashire is relevant whether your business is already investing in digital transformation or you are at the beginning of considering where technology could help.
Attendees will be able to hear practical experiences from the panel, discover the support available from established technology and innovation organisations, ask questions and make connections with other Lancashire businesses.
It is also an opportunity to look beyond individual technologies and consider a broader question:
How can we use the technology now available to make our businesses better?
Tech Lancashire takes place on Wednesday 30 September 2026 at Accrington Stanley Football Club, Livingstone Road, Accrington, BB5 5BX. The event is free to attend, with registration, networking and refreshments included.
Places can be booked through the official Tech Lancashire Eventbrite page using the button below.
