Economic Strength

A diverse, resilient economy built for real growth

Lancashire isn’t built on one industry – it’s built on many. We’re a county with serious depth, powered by a long-standing culture of creating, making, inventing and delivering. Today, that means everything from fighter jets and hydrogen fuel cells to immersive media and global tourism experiences.

Our key sectors drive jobs, exports, innovation and inward investment. Each one is underpinned by real capability – with major employers, specialist talent, commercial land, and strategic support to help businesses grow.

A place that builds, powers and connects the UK

Across every part of Lancashire – east, west, north and central – our economy shows strength:

• World-class engineering and aerospace in Samlesbury, Warton and Burnley
• Clean energy and chemicals in Heysham, Blackpool and Hillhouse
• Digital and creative tech clusters in Preston, Burnley and Lancaster
• Tourism and culture from Blackpool and Morecambe to the Ribble Valley
• Food and drink manufacturing across Pendle, West Lancashire and Chorley
• Business services and finance in Preston, Blackburn and beyond

Lancashire’s priority sectors

These sectors anchor our £40bn economy and offer major opportunities for investors, operators and developers:

Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing

Lancashire leads the UK in aerospace, automotive, defence, and advanced manufacturing. From global giants like BAE Systems to cutting-edge SMEs, this is where complex engineering gets done.

With over 80,000 people in manufacturing, world-class supply chains, and one of Europe’s biggest aerospace clusters, we've got the talent and the track record to deliver.

Clean Energy & Nuclear

We are the only UK region with full nuclear fuel cycle capability, with strengths in offshore wind, hydrogen, and low-carbon manufacturing. Major sites like Hillhouse, Springfields and Heysham lead our energy innovation, backed by skills and infrastructure to scale clean growth.

Digital & Creative Industries

A fast-growing sector employing over 36,000 people, Lancashire’s digital economy covers everything from cyber security and immersive tech to design, gaming and film. Anchored by top-tier universities and grassroots creativity, it’s a space to innovate, scale and thrive.

Visitor Economy & Tourism

Lancashire has one of the largest and most valuable visitor economies in the UK – worth over £5.4 billion and supporting 57,000+ jobs. It’s a county known for its welcome, and proud of the places and experiences it offers.

This sector is anchored by iconic destinations like Blackpool and the future Eden Project Morecambe, but its impact is felt across the whole county – from the natural beauty of Bowland to the culture of our cities and the food scenes of our market towns.