Nicola Clayton is the Chair of Blackburn BID.

She has responsibility for leadership and governance, board management, representing the BID, strategic planning, financial oversight, community engagement and relationship building with key stakeholders.

As a member of the College’s Executive Leadership Team, Nicola is responsible for leading Blackburn College's engagement and work with employers and other external relationships.

Nicola leads the Business Development, External Funding, Apprenticeship, Commercial and International Teams, representing the College externally on a number of employer related groups with the aim of raising the prosperity of Blackburn with Darwen.

Councillor Phil Riley is Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council.
Born in Chorley, Councillor Riley moved to Blackburn in the 1970s with partner Ann.
He worked in private industry for RHM and Premier Foods. He has served as Secretary of Blackburn Labour Party for many years, and was first elected as a Labour Councillor for Roe Lee Ward in 2011 and became the Executive Member for Growth and Prosperity in 2015 and Leader of the Council in 2022.

He is also a life-long supporter of Blackburn Rovers!

His leadership and strategic vision have played a pivotal role in driving positive change and progress within the town.

Charlotte Gardiner is Store Manager at Marks & Spencer in Blackburn.
With an extensive career in the industry, Charlotte has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a keen understanding of customer satisfaction.
Her unwavering commitment to delivering a premium shopping experience has played a pivotal role in the success of Marks & Spencer Blackburn and she has fostered a culture of excellence and collaboration within the store.
With her passion for retail and dedication to customer service, Charlotte continues to elevate the reputation of Marks & Spencer in Blackburn and beyond.

The Very Revd Peter Howell-Jones is the Dean of Blackburn Cathedral.
With a deep-rooted faith and extensive experience in the ministry, he has been a guiding presence within the cathedral and the wider community.
Recognised for his compassionate nature and commitment to spiritual growth, The Dean has played a crucial role in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for worshippers and visitors alike.
His visionary leadership has led to the development of meaningful programs and initiatives, strengthening the cathedral's impact on the spiritual and cultural life of Blackburn.
With his unwavering dedication and inspiring presence, The Dean continues to make a huge difference within the community he serves.

Duane Jeffers is a passionate and dedicated professional, currently working as the Aspirations, Skills & Employability Service Manager at Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone.
With a deep commitment to empowering young individuals, he plays a pivotal role in helping them navigate their educational and career journeys.
Duane possesses a wealth of expertise in providing guidance, mentoring, and skills development programs to unlock the full potential of the youth.
Known for his exceptional leadership and ability to create impactful opportunities, he has successfully bridged the gap between education and employment, equipping young people with the necessary tools to succeed.
Through his unwavering dedication, Duane continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth, fostering a generation of aspiring and accomplished individuals.

Elaine has over 30 years’ experience in charity management and is responsible for fundraising, marketing, retail and volunteering. Elaine also coordinates both the Age Well partnership for Blackburn with Darwen and Blackburn with Darwen Dementia Action Alliance.
Elaine is passionate about volunteering and is Chair of Governors for a school in Hyndburn and also a trustee of ADHD North West.
Elaine has played a crucial role in securing funding and advocating for the rights and well-being of older adults, and continues to make a difference in the lives of people in Blackburn with Darwen.

With a deep-rooted passion for community development, Paul has played a pivotal role in Blackburn – serving as the former head of Marketing at Blackburn College and on serval community boards such as chair of Blackburn Community and Voluntary Services since 2014, and Trustee of Blackburn Healthy Living.
Paul is currently a member of the Chapter of Blackburn Cathedral, chair of St Stephen’s CE Primary School and actively involved in local politics. He’s also active in the arts in the North West.
He has strengthened partnerships between the voluntary sector, local authorities, and community stakeholders, driving positive change, making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities in Blackburn.

Pele Mathauda is a distinguished entrepreneur and the proud owner of Pelle Menswear, a renowned boutique in Blackburn.
With a keen eye for fashion and a passion for providing exceptional customer experiences, Pele has curated a stylish and diverse collection of menswear that caters to the discerning tastes of the local community.
Known for his impeccable style and attention to detail, he has created a destination for men seeking high-quality, on-trend clothing and accessories.
Through his unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence, Pele has established Pelle Menswear as a go-to destination for fashion-forward individuals in Blackburn and beyond.

John McEwan is an accomplished retail professional, currently serving as the Store Manager of Primark Blackburn.
With an extensive background in the industry, he has honed his leadership skills and cultivated a deep understanding of the retail landscape.
John’s unwavering dedication to exceptional customer service and operational excellence has resulted in the continued success of Primark Blackburn.
He has created a positive work culture that promotes collaboration and drives results. Through his expertise and commitment, he has solidified his reputation as a trusted leader in the retail sector.

James Streets is a highly accomplished retail professional, currently serving as the District Manager at TKMaxx across Lancashire.
With over 20 years’ experience in the retail industry, James has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of retail operations.
His vast experience in the loss prevention field has played a vital role in driving the success of collaboration of local agencies within towns and cities to make the retail sector a safer place to work and shop.
James has a commercial eye and is always looking for opportunities within the retail market to grow the business, continuing to elevate the reputation of TKMaxx as a premier retail destination.