ScottishPower Showcases Skills and Investment in North West During Visit from Select Committee Chair

SCOTTISHPOWER'S electricity networks in the North West of England took centre stage recently as Bill Esterson MP, Chair of the House of Commons Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, visited key sites in Merseyside and Manchester to see first-hand how investment is driving skills, jobs and growth across the Region.

Mr Esterson, who is also MP for Sefton Central, began his visit at Hoylake House; ScottishPower's Principal Training Centre for Merseyside and North Wales. The centre delivers everything from entry-level craft and engineering programmes to advanced electrical training, supporting more than 100 local employees and 300 supply chain contractors working across the Liverpool City Region.

He met some of the 49 SP Energy Networks trainees currently undergoing training at Hoylake, with a further 35 set to join the business this month; a clear sign of ScottishPower's commitment to building a skilled local workforce.

Nicola Connelly, CEO of SP Energy Networks, said:- "Electricity demand is set to double over the next 25 years, and that means transforming a network that was largely built in the 1960s and 70s. The apprentices and trainees we're investing in today, will be the ones delivering that transformation; building substations, installing cables, replacing overhead lines and upgrading equipment. It was fantastic to showcase that work to the Chair and the Committee."

The visit continued at SP Electricity North West's Control Room, in Manchester, where Mr Esterson saw how skilled engineers manage the network to ensure a safe and reliable electricity supply for homes and businesses across the Region.

He met with Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Trubshaw and Asset and Investment Director Paul Killilea to discuss SP Electricity North West's £2bn investment programme and the role of new technologies in improving network performance and speeding up restoration times.

Mr Esterson said:- "Modern, safe and resilient electricity networks are vital to the UK's energy future, and it's been great to see the positive impact of investment here in the north-west. Growing a skilled workforce and building domestic supply chains will be key to delivering clean power, and ScottishPower is clearly making a real difference for local people and businesses."

Stephanie Trubshaw added:- "In the North West, we put customers at the heart of everything we do. That means providing the support they need to meet their energy needs, and continuing to invest in technologies that reduce bills without requiring any change in behaviour. The benefits are clear, and we were proud to share our progress with the Committee Chair."

Lots to do in Southport this Autum from the British Musical Fireworks Championship to Autumn Wreath Making

COSY season is around the corner as the temperature drops and the leaves begin to fall; so, grab your hats and scarves and visit Southport for a multitude of events for all the family to enjoy. These are just some of the many events due to take place this Autum in Southport. Be amazed by the colours and music of the spectacular British Musical Fireworks Championship, or get creative with a cosy afternoon of wreath making at the Waterfront Southport Hotel, these are just some of the many activities due to take place this year in Southport over the autumnal season...

KC Artisan Show will be held from:- 20 September to 21 September 2025...

The KC Artisan Market returns to Victoria Park with a vibrant weekend extravaganza. Hosted by Kate, owner of KC Artisan, in partnership with Liverpool Live, this family friendly event features over 50 artisan stalls offering unique handmade goods like:- jewellery, candles, and artwork.

Enjoy hot food from local vendors, thrilling circus performers, live music, a DJ, face painting, and other children's activities.

Open Saturday, 10am to 8pm, and Sunday, 11am to 4pm, this free, dog friendly market promises a lively celebration of local creativity.

For more information please visit:- VisitSouthport.Com.

Heritage Open Days runs until:- 21 September 2025...

England's largest festival of history and culture is back, offering visitors the chance to experience Southport in ways that aren't normally available to them.

This year, the Heritage Open Days festival in Southport is being coordinated by life-long resident, Heather Cook, who believes that curiosity about our local history is a brilliant way to foster home-town pride.

The brimming festival lineup includes:- guided tours from The Lawnmower Museum, heritage talks from the family behind Silcock Leisure, photographic exhibitions, walking tours, and even an opportunity to watch an artist at work!

For more information please visit:- HeritageOpenDays.Org.UK and search for:- 'Southport' in the location box.

Hoedown Showdown Country Night -takes place on:- 4 October 2025

This event is due to be heald within the Southport Market, on King Street.  Prepare yourselves for the ultimate country music night out with a fully immersive experience that goes beyond just a live performance.

With amazing live vocalists and a live DJ and host playing a full 4 hours of music from the biggest country artists, lip sync battles, prizes, line dancing and more, the Hoedown Showdown will be the ultimate rodeo stacked with great music, dancing and entertainment.

Throw on those cowboy hats, 2 step into your boots and head on down to the ranch where you can dance the night away to the biggest country anthems from across the decades.

Read more:- SouthportMarket.Com.

Autumn Wreath Making Event - 27 September 2025

JOIN a cosy and creative afternoon of autumn wreath making at the Waterfront Hotel in Southport.

Learn how to craft your own beautiful seasonal wreath using all provided materials, perfect for adding a touch of autumnal charm to your home.

Get into the seasonal spirit, sip some delicious autumn cocktails, and take home your own handmade masterpiece!

For prices and more information, please visit:- WaterfrontSouthportHotelEvents.Co.UK.

British Musical Fireworks Championship - 27 September to 28 September 2025

MARVEL at Southport's incredible British Musical Fireworks Championship which returns to the stunning Victoria Park with dazzling displays of over 10 tonnes of fireworks and more than 2 tonnes of explosive material.

The 2025 event will be that extra bit special as 6 previous champions are invited back to battle it out head-to-head for the prestigious title of:- 'Champion of Champions.'

Expect some of the most breathtaking displays you'll ever witness, where every firework is choregraphed perfectly to music, creating an unforgettable experience for all the family.

This year will also see a world leading pioneer  help Southport's twilight skies shine with a jaw dropping light display, as DroneSwarm put on a stunning drone and light displays a long side of the very best fireworks.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said:- "What a way to round up a brilliant summer of events, gigs and celebrations in our wonderful Borough. Tickets are selling out fast, especially with the addition of the cutting edge drone display which I cannot wait to see! We're delighted to be working with DroneSwarm and their full-colour drones will deliver choreographed animations and patterns in perfect harmony with fireworks, offering a truly unforgettable double spectacle."
 

Secure your spot now before it sells out... Tickets available online at:- VisitSouthport.Com, and bust be obtained in advance as there will be no gate sales at the event.

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