Invest In Rossendale

24/04/2026

The Pride in Place programme is underway with progress and this is a great opportunity for an organisation to support other local groups through managing this grants programme.

Check out the tender:

https://investinrossendale.com/pride-in-place/tender-opportunities/

The Pride in Place Board is on the lookout for an organisation to help deliver a new Community Grants Programme for Rossendale, part of the wider Our Towns Plan.

Are you part of an organisation that could take this on? Or do you know someone who’d be perfect for it?

The Board are looking to appoint a Community Grants Service Provider to design, manage and deliver the programme across Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and Crawshawbooth.

💷 A total of £180,000 in capital grants over four years will be available to support community led projects that:
✔️ Boost regeneration and placemaking
✔️ Improve community wellbeing
✔️ Enhance local spaces

The chosen organisation will help shape the programme, support local groups, and make sure the grants process is fair, transparent and easy to navigate.

If you’ve got experience in community development, grant management or placemaking, this could be a brilliant opportunity to make a real difference in the Pride in Place area.

👉 Want to apply or share with someone who should? Full tender details are here: https://ow.ly/zzVe50YKQBN

📅 Deadline: 12 noon, Monday 11 May 2026
📩 Questions? [email protected]

15/04/2026

The Market, the former Bingo hall redevelopment and plans to improve Union Street along with other developments in Bacup just show that Bacup is a place to invest.

Good news for Bacup!🥳 Plans to improve Bacup Market were approved by the Development Control Committee on 14th April 2026.✅

This is part of the wider Valley Plan for Rossendale, which is about strengthening our town centres and making them better places for everyday life, local businesses, and visitors.

For Bacup Market, the aim is to support local traders, improve how the market works day to day and create a more flexible space that can be used for shopping, events, and community activity.

We know how important the market is to Bacup, and we really appreciate everyone who has taken the time to share their views so far. The project will now move into detailed design and planning for delivery, and we’ll keep sharing updates as it progresses.

Want to find out more, click here👉https://ow.ly/iWRY50YJQmY

*The image is a CGI impression of how the space could look – not the final design.

The Bacup 2040 Vision & Masterplan

24/03/2026

The Government has STRONGLY endorsed the Town Board's Plan for Crawshawbooth, Rawtenstall and Waterfoot which means that 10 years worth of funding is secured 🎉

Delivery will now begin with key projects including:
· Redevelopment of the former picture house on Bacup Road
· Public realm improvements in Waterfoot
· Upgrades to bike tracks and footpaths
· A creative skills mentoring programme and public art initiatives
· A young people’s enterprise and entrepreneurship scheme
· Stronger links between schools and local businesses
· A new community base on the Staghills Estate
· A new road layout scheme in Crawshawbooth

In addition, the programme will deliver a community grants scheme, a new learning space at the Whitaker Museum, football pitch improvements at Alder Grange and Marl Pits, and new play equipment at Edgeside Park.

The initiative will also address neglected places, support building repairs, and bring open spaces and heritage assets back into active use through a vibrant programme of events and activities.

Read more: https://www.rossendale.gov.uk/news/article/10792/government-strongly-backs-rossendale-s-20m-pride-in-place-plan

**photo credit - Paul Lambert

03/03/2026

Are you interested in hosting events in Rossendale? Would you like to use our spaces for FREE?

We are hosting a drop in session on Saturday 14th March at Haslingden Market, where you can meet the team and discuss your event ideas further.

From family days to religious celebrations to school talent shows, we are happy to consider all of your ideas!

Open to events organisers, community groups, school groups, whether you're a seasoned pro or if you'd like to try an idea for the first time.

Can't attend? Drop us an email to discuss your idea further. [email protected]

28/01/2026

🌟 Angela's Journey with Rossendale Works 🌟

When Angela came to Rossendale Works in early 2025, she was determined to get back into work but worried about a gap in her CV. Looking for a fresh start, she jumped at the chance to join our brand-new Work Party, a volunteering group supporting Bacup Borough Football Club with their clubhouse renovation.

Right from day one, Angela threw herself into everything. Whether it was ripping up old flooring, sprucing up the changing rooms, or keeping the grounds tidy, she tackled each task with real energy and enthusiasm. Her positive attitude was infectious!

"Angela made such an impression that we asked her to get involved with our wider projects," says Danny Thomas, Support Worker at Rossendale Works. "She now helps run our weekly physical activity sessions, supporting other participants and sharing her own experiences to help them engage with our services."

What really stood out was Angela's natural leadership. She didn't just complete her own tasks but helped organise the team, kept everyone on track, and came up with great ideas to improve how they worked together. Danny adds: "Angela approached each week with genuine enthusiasm and was incredibly driven. It was clear she was ready to work hard to build her confidence and get back into employment."

🌟 How Rossendale Works Helps 🌟
Angela's story shows what our employability project is all about: supporting local people to overcome the barriers holding them back from work. Through hands-on volunteering, skill-building, and a supportive team environment, we help people rebuild their confidence, gain valuable experience, and take real steps towards employment. Everyone deserves that chance, and we're here to make it happen.

27/01/2026

Connect to Work is the Government's new employment programme helping businesses access talented candidates who face barriers to work.

What's on offer to businesses:
✅ Job-ready candidates matched to your roles
✅ Ongoing support for you and your new employees
✅ Expert advice on workplace adjustments
✅ Help retaining existing staff facing challenges
✅ Reduced recruitment costs and turnover

In 2026-27, the Government are supporting 100,000 people into work across England and Wales. Partner with The Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub to build a stronger, more inclusive workforce.

Interested? https://lnkd.in/eQ9v3Kcs

26/01/2026

This Thursday Customer Love are delivering a completely FREE workshop at Haslingden Library on Customer Journey Mapping. If you're a business on the high street, take advantage of this opportunity.

There are only a few places left. If you want to get involved, you need to be quick!

Booking link in the comments below ⬇️

23/01/2026

There are some upcoming changes with NNDR (Business Rates) as of 1st April. Ensure you're up to date with the new information.

📣 Important update for local businesses: Business Rates Revaluation 2026

From 1 April 2026, business rates in England and Wales will be recalculated based on updated property values — this is known as the 2026 revaluation. It affects all non-domestic properties and means your rateable value may change.

📌 What you can do now:
• Check your current and future rateable value online
• Review how your property is valued
• Tell the Valuation Office Agency if details are wrong (by 31 March 2026)
• See if your bill might change and plan accordingly

For more information check out the gov.uk website here 👉🏻 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-with-the-2026-business-rates-revaluation

16/01/2026

We are really proud to share that Rawtenstall Market 1906 on the temporary site is now OPEN.

All of the traders have moved over - there won't be anyone trading from the original market site until the works are complete.

Please continue to support our traders in their temporary home on Rawtenstall Town Square. We will be installing a map in the coming days that will show where each trader is to make it easier for you to shop with them.

A big thank you to the local contractors who supported us to make this move happen!

13/11/2025

🌟 Inspire Future Talent: Get Involved in the BRGS Careers Fair! 🌟

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School (BRGS) is hosting its Annual Sixth Form Careers Fair and is calling on local businesses and employers to take part and inspire the next generation!

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your organisation, promote your career pathways, and fulfil your social value commitment to the community.

Why Social Value is a Business Imperative:
Social Value is increasingly vital, moving beyond simple philanthropy to become a strategic necessity for modern businesses. In the UK, especially when dealing with public sector contracts, demonstrating your commitment to economic, social, and environmental well-being is often a mandatory and heavily weighted requirement.

Engaging with local schools like BRGS not only directly supports young people but also offers your business:
➡️Enhanced Reputation and Brand Trust
➡️A Competitive Edge in tendering and procurement
➡️Improved Employee Engagement and Retention
➡️Direct Contribution to local economic growth and skill development

You don't need to dedicate hours every week - just a few meaningful hours each academic year is enough to inspire these young people and support them as they transition from school to the working world.

What You Can Do at the Fair
✅ Showcase your Organisation: Connect directly with motivated pupils from Year 9, Year 12, and Year 13.
✅ Meaningful Engagement: Pupils come prepared, having researched your organisation and prepared thoughtful questions.
✅ Share Your Story: Take part in structured speed networking sessions and informal careers fair conversations.

Event Details
📍 Date: Wednesday 10th December
🕐 Time: 1:15pm – 3:15pm
Set-up available from 12:00pm, and a light buffet will be provided.

💬 Format:

Speed networking (3-minute rotations)
Informal careers fair browsing
A quiet session for pupils who may find large events overwhelming

By joining this event, you will play a crucial role in delivering tangible social value and helping young people explore their future career pathways and develop essential employability skills.

👉 Interested in supporting this event and inspiring the future workforce? Contact Laura Grenaghan, Careers Advisor at BRGS, for more information: 📧 [email protected]