Image courtesy of the Harris Museum & Gallery

Local businesses are being urged to show their support for the 2012 Preston Guild by taking part in the trades procession.

The procession will see employers, both big and small, parade through the city centre to celebrate their skills and trades.

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So far 68 businesses have signed up but organisers want 150 businesses in total to join the event.

Ken Williams, chair of the trades procession steering committee, said he wanted to see more small businesses getting involved.

He said: “The Guild is traditionally all about local business and trade, and we believe it is important that all aspects of Preston’s economic environment are represented – from the big names to the small sole traders and market stall holders.”

On the list already are Bowker BMW, Springfield Fuels, Plumbs Ltd, McKenna Funerals and Holiday Inn Preston.

Liquid Plastics based on New Hall Road are another business signed up, Christine Jones from the company said they were “proud” to be involved.

She said: “Liquid Plastics is proud to be a part of Preston and one of the area’s big employers. We have always supported local initiatives and we feel Preston Guild is a unique opportunity to take part in something special and show our support to the city.

“We are still working on our plans but we have secured our parent company’s hot air balloon which we will be bringing over to Preston for Guild week.”

The company was founded in 1963 and employs almost 200 people at its Preston site. In 2009 it was bought by Swiss firm Sika.

Steve Whitehead, community relations manager at Springfields Fuels, said as a major employer in the area it was important for them to take part.

Mr Whitehead, who has taken part in the torchlight procession for the last three Guilds, said: “As one of the major companies in the area, Springfields Fuels Limited is proud to be supporting the 2012 Preston Guild.

“Springfields has been manufacturing nuclear fuel and operating safely in the community for over three Preston Guilds and will be again taking part in selected activities planned over the next 12 months, including both the Trade and Torchlight Processions.

“Springfields prides itself on the strong relationship it has built up with its neighbours over the years and fully recognises the responsibility that one of the largest employers in the area has to the local community. By taking part we can showcase the links we have with local businesses, schools and community initiatives in Lancashire.”

Places on the procession start at £200 for a small business with under 50 employees and increases to £500 for large businesses with more than 50 employees.

Businesses can register via the Preston Guild website.

Is your business taking part? Are you looking forward to the trades procession? Is your business doing something special? Let us know in the comments below or email contactus@blogpreston.co.uk