Skills panel appoints senior business and education representatives

The newly-launched Lancashire Skills and Employment Advisory Panel has appointed two leading business figures and two senior educationalists to help develop skills and boost employment prospects among the county’s workforce.

Andrew Dewhurst, managing director of Accrington’s Affilius Group, and Neil Conlon, a director at Preston-based Conlon Construction, will contribute their industry expertise, while Dr Lis Smith, principal of Preston's College, and Ruth England, headteacher of Burnley’s Shuttleworth College, will bring insight into education.

Amanda Melton, principal and chief executive of Nelson and Colne College, chairs the board.