We’re delighted to announce that our partnership with Blackpool Council has been extended for a further 12 months to March 2026 as part of the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). As strategic marketing and events partner, we’re proud to be continuing to support the Business Growth Team to drive sustainable growth, support local businesses, and contribute to Blackpool’s journey towards a greener future.

We’ve been working closely with the Business Growth Team to support their three key initiatives: the Blackpool Growth Business Academy, the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy and the Blackpool Unlimited portal. We’ve worked collaboratively to create marketing plans and strategies, event management, and build the brand.

“The marketing and branding have been outstanding, distinct and identifiable – creating a strong foundation that underpinned the success of the initiative. We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with Happy Creative and the Academies as part of this next phase of funding,” said Blackpool Council’s Head of Business Growth, Angela Kershaw.

Throughout the first round of SPF funding, the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy helped businesses save enough carbon to power the entire illuminations for four years. Meanwhile, the Blackpool Growth Business Academy helped almost 500 businesses to start, grow or scale, which led to creating more jobs in the town.

We’re incredibly proud to have been part of this journey and to have helped share the positive impact the Academies have had, and are continuing to have, on Blackpool businesses and the town as a whole.

As we enter the next phase of funding, we’re delighted to be able to continue providing a range of support, from developing strategic marketing plans to social media support, content creation, developing videos, email marketing, bespoke asset development and website updates.

We are looking forward to organising and planning an exclusive event which will take place on Wednesday 18th June at Blackpool Football Club. The event will see Brad Waldron, the globally recognised speaker, deliver his bespoke Midnight Oil keynote. The event will provide business leaders and owners with invaluable insights into a scaling business, as well as overcoming the challenges of rapid expansion.

Having worked with some of the world’s most recognised brands, including Microsoft, L’Oréal, Sony, Warner Bros, and Diageo, Brad’s experience will be a huge draw for scaling businesses, and we’re excited to help bring this high level of insight and inspiration to Blackpool.

Our work through this partnership extends beyond business growth and decarbonisation. The social value part of our contract with Blackpool Council has included donations to inspirational local charities such as Blackpool Foodbank, Blackpool Samaritans’ ‘Pay for a Day’ Campaign, and the Blackpool Boathouse Youth.

Speaking about the contract extension, Chief Happy, Karen Lambert said, “We are honoured to be continuing our partnership with the Business Growth Team and the Academies. Their expertise and support have been transformational for many Blackpool based businesses and we’ve particularly enjoyed the strength of our collaboration. We are genuinely looking forward to what the next 12 months will bring.”