Blackpool Business News

Kurdistan Restaurant : Following a minor fire two weeks ago, we are pleased to announce that we are reopening next week. We look forward to welcoming our valued Blackpool customers back with even better food and service!

Let's hope for the best. This buffet has been shut for a bit now.

What the UK Would GainNear-Frictionless Trade in Goods:

UK manufacturers (automotive, aerospace, chemicals, food) would regain broad access to the European single market. Product conformity checks, costly dual-certification standards, and most border delays would vanish for covered sectors.

Integrated Supply Chains: UK factories could seamlessly integrate into European manufacturing loops without the red tape introduced after Brexit.

Institutional Ties: Switzerland participates in key European programs, such as the Schengen border-free travel zone, the Dublin asylum arrangements, and research frameworks like Horizon Europe.The "Plus" Strategic Additions: Under a bespoke arrangement, Britain would likely bolt on formal joint defense, security intelligence, energy market coordination, and raw materials cooperation.

What the UK Would Have to AcceptFree Movement of People:

The Swiss model is indivisible from the free movement of persons. The UK would have to allow EU citizens the right to live and work in Britain, and British citizens would regain reciprocal rights across Europe. Paying into the EU Budget: Switzerland pays substantial financial contributions into the EU cohesion fund (supporting infrastructure in poorer EU member states) to maintain market access. The UK would have to resume paying billions into EU-managed pots.

"Rule Taker, Not Rule Maker": The UK would have to dynamically align its domestic laws with EU regulations in any covered sector. However, British ministers and MEPs would have no vote, no veto, and no seat in the European Parliament or Council.

European Court of Justice (ECJ) Jurisdiction: The EU insists on dynamic alignment and dispute mechanisms where the ECJ acts as the final authority on interpretations of EU law.

Customs Checks Still Apply: Switzerland is inside parts of the Single Market, but it is not in the EU Customs Union. Goods crossing the border would still need customs declarations and have to prove "rules of origin," meaning borders would not be 100% invisible.

Drop a comment below.

 sé Anār is an exceptional, critically acclaimed Indian restaurant in Blackpool located at 107 Highfield Road in the South Shore area. Founded by former educator Renuka Morris, it has rapidly earned a phenomenal reputation for serving highly authentic, regional Indian cuisine from Jodhpur and Kolkata based on generations of traditional family recipes.

Still sitting empty on Palatine Road... what does Blackpool actually need here?

An old church with this much character doesn’t come onto the market often. It’s got the space, the architecture, and massive potential—but so far, no one has taken the leap.

If you had the keys tomorrow, what would you do with it?

🍕 An artisan indoor market & street food hall?

🎭 A community arts hub & live acoustic venue?

🧗 A creative activity space?

☕ Or something completely different?

Drop your most creative ideas in the comments below! 👇

Chancellor John Healey is planning to increase taxes on the banking sector ahead of the Budget on 28th Oct, senior banking execs have told the BBC.
Banks are calling it being "on the menu" — what do you think, fair move to plug the gap or risk for investment?

At what point do we admit the high street model is broken?
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Should landlords lower rent to keep shops full?
Should the council cut rates for new businesses?
Or do we as locals need to actually shop local instead of Amazon?
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What's your honest take - could YOU run a shop in town right now?

OPINION & DEBATE: Does Blackpool really need another "creative hub"?

With plans for a £26m boutique hotel officially off the table, Blackpool Council has pivoted the future of the Grade II listed former Post Office on Abingdon Street toward a community-led creative and cultural space.

On paper, the vision sounds promising: affordable studios for artists, exhibition rooms, workshop spaces, and community events sitting right in the town centre.

But is another arts hub really what Blackpool needs right now?

Across the town, we already have established creative and exhibition spaces—from the Grundy Art Gallery and the Old Electric Theatre to Showtown and grassroots workshop hubs. Many residents and local taxpayers are asking whether Blackpool is over-saturating a niche market while ignoring more pressing economic and civic demands.

The Debate:
The Sceptics Ask:

In a town facing significant cost-of-living challenges, high vacant retail rates, and an urgent need for year-round, sustainable private-sector jobs, is subsidising art studios the best use of a prime heritage asset?

Can a community creative hub generate the footfall, business rates, and economic vitality needed to genuinely regenerate the surrounding high street—or will it rely indefinitely on public grants to keep the heating on?

Would the town be better served by youth services, practical trade skill centres, healthcare facilities, or standard commercial enterprise spaces?

The Supporters Argue:

The boutique hotel market failed to materialise because outside developers couldn’t make the numbers work. Community and cultural ownership prevents the landmark from rotting away into total dereliction.

Creative hubs foster homegrown talent, giving young people in Blackpool a reason to stay rather than moving away to Manchester or London.

Paired with the roaring success of Abingdon Street Market next door, an arts and maker quarter could create an authentic cultural identity that attracts independent spending and daytime visitors.

Where do you stand?

Is turning the Abingdon Street Post Office into an arts and creative hub an inspired, community-first move—or does Blackpool have far more urgent priorities?

Drop your thoughts and join the debate in the comments.

THAT’S A WRAP, BLACKPOOL! 🇬🇧

Today marks the final day of Britain’s Got Talent filming here at the Winter Gardens, and what an incredible, buzzing few days it has been for our town!

From the massive queues stretching down Church Street to the electric atmosphere outside Quilligan’s and right across the town centre, Blackpool truly showed up and showed out. The energy has been second to none, proving once again why our seaside resort is the entertainment capital of the UK!

A massive THANK YOU to:
👏 The brilliant crowds & locals who queued in the wind and cold, brought the noise, and gave the judges and acts the warmest Northern welcome.

👏 Our local businesses, cafés, and venues who kept everyone fed, watered, and looked after throughout the rush.

👏 The event crew, stewards, and security teams who kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Did you head down to catch the judges, spot Ant & Dec, or audition yourself? Drop your favourite moments and photos in the comments below! 👇

Exciting news, Blackpool! Every Friday evening, Olive Coffee Lounge and Eatery is opening its doors from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for an authentic Lebanese dinner experience you won’t want to miss!
Gather your family and friends, bring your appetite, and join us for an evening of incredible traditional flavours, freshly prepared dishes, and warm hospitality. Whether you're craving rich savoury mezze, perfectly spiced favourites, or just great food with great company, we’ve got a table waiting for you.
📍 Where: Olive Coffee Lounge and Eatery
Our Regular Hours:
• Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tag your favourite foodie companion below or drop by to savour the experience! 🍽️🌿