Blackpool Council is proud to sponsor the Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs), the UK’s largest celebration of women in business.
This partnership reflects the council’s commitment to championing enterprise, supporting inclusive economic growth and recognising the achievements of female entrepreneurs across the region.
The awards also support the council’s vision to create the UK’s number one family resort with a thriving economy that supports a happy and healthy community who are proud of this unique town.
Our town is currently undergoing a major transformation. A major £2bn regeneration is creating more jobs for residents across the town, as well as creating major business and growth opportunities for women.
This includes a £350m regeneration of the area around Blackpool North train station, which is bringing over 8,000 workers and students into the town centre.
It also includes the growth of Blackpool Enterprise Zone which is creating 5,000 new jobs in growth sectors for Blackpool residents, as well as being the home of Silicon Sands – a carbon friendly data centre campus which has the potential to create over 10,000 jobs in the technology and cyber sector.
Another cornerstone of this support is The Robinson, an £8.2 million transformation of the historic Stanley Buildings into a modern business hub offering 44 serviced offices, high‑quality meeting rooms, co‑working space and tailored support through the Blackpool Growth Business Academy.
Backing the EVAs further strengthens the council’s mission to promote ambition, innovation and women‑led enterprise–values central to Blackpool’s economic strategy.
For more information, visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/betterblackpool
Cllr Lynn Williams is the Leader of Blackpool Labour Group and honoured to be the first female Leader of Blackpool Council. She currently holds the portfolio for Tourism, Arts and Culture, having previously held the roles of Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member and Statutory Leader Member for Children’s Services, Portfolio holder of Adults and Health and Chair of both BHC and BCH Boards. She was also Chair of the Planning Committee for over 4 years, a role she very much enjoyed. Lynn is a mother of two and works as a Solicitor in Blackpool town centre.
Lynn is passionate about Claremont Ward, which she has represented since 2015 and is Chair of Blackpool Magic Club and Chair of Claremont Park Community Centre. Lynn also volunteered for almost 30 years on the Blackpool Citizens Advice Bureau Board.
Throughout her various past and present roles, Lynn is keen to show that children and young people are a priority to her and continues to work with the Council and community partners to ensure the focus remains on them.
Lynn became the Leader of the Council during 2020 when the country was in the midst of the Covid pandemic and oversaw the excellent response of Blackpool Council. Lynn was elected as Leader again following the May 2023 elections.
More recently, Lynn attended the inaugural programme of the Bloomberg LSE European City Leadership Initiative as one of 30 European Mayors and Leaders from 17 different countries. This initiative will empower Local Governments with the skills and tools to achieve better outcomes.
Being Leader of the Council in her hometown is especially important to Lynn, which is why she is committed to the town’s regeneration and housing, improving the facilities for both residents and visitors.
Lynn was awarded an MBE in 2024 for services to Local Government.
