Trade union commits to Blackpool

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) will continue hosting its annual delegate meetings in Blackpool until at least 2024.

The union, which is UK's fifth biggest and the fastest growing with over 430,000 members, has hosted its ADM in the resort regularly since being first formed in 1947. It has also met in Blackpool exclusively every year since 1991.

To mark the agreement with the Winter Gardens, and the town’s tourism bureau VisitBlackpool, Usdaw’s general secretary John Hannett signed a commemorative brick which will form part of Blackpool’s new Conference and Exhibition Centre.

He said: “Even before it was officially formed in the mid-1940s, Blackpool was a popular destination for a number of trade unions which eventually merged to become Usdaw. Since 1947 our delegates have always found it to be a fantastic place to meet, debate and vote on important union matters and I fully support the Union’s decision to commit to Blackpool for at least the next six years.”

Michael Williams, managing director of the Winter Gardens, said: “Organisations like Usdaw have been part of the fabric of Blackpool’s business tourism offer for over 70 years, so it seemed fitting to get a commemorative brick signed which will physically become part of the new conference centre’s foundations.

“These bricks also symbolise how the Winter Gardens complex is literally building for the future to accommodate larger and more diverse events, and deliver delegates an even better experience as a result.”

Cllr Gillian Campbell, deputy leader of Blackpool Council, added: "We are delighted that Usdaw has committed to Blackpool for at least the next six years. They have a long association with the resort and we look forward to showcasing our new conference facilities to delegates in the years ahead." Currently being built adjacent to the existing Winter Gardens complex, the new £25m centre will open next year. The venue will able to accommodate an additional 2,000 delegates across a 6,150 sq m footprint.