People of Preston series: Matt Cowburn, Cowburn Watson-Box

Preston Towns Fund Strategic Board...Meet Matt Cowburn

We spoke with Matt Cowburn, a member of the Preston Towns Fund Strategic Board and co-founder of a cost and project management company, Cowburn Watson-Box.

Tell us a little about your job

I'm the Co-Founder of Cowburn Watson-Box, which is a cost and project management Company.

My day-to-day involves everything from running and growing the business, delivering great projects, and getting the pints in when we go out as a team! It's a lot of hard work, but it's worth every late night to live the dream. My first dream was playing for Blackburn Rovers, but I had to concede that wasn't going to happen...although currently, with how they're playing, I might get a call-up!

I've been a Project Manager for almost 15-years and specialise in Local Authority Programmes/Projects.

Local Authorities have been starved of resources for many years, and I know residents sometimes can get frustrated with their local council, but I can genuinely assure them there are some unbelievably passionate people at the heart of councils who want the absolute best for their area. Supporting the local authorities' teams with what we do really adds a sense of pride to the work; ultimately, it's all about making the place better for the local people.

The built environment affects every element of life, so for me, being involved in projects that improve the physical environment and what we eventually leave behind is personal. I'm very lucky that my job allows me that opportunity.

What is your role within the Preston Towns Fund board?

My role for the Town Fund Board is to act as Programme Manager for the projects ensuring as a collective, we deliver on what we said we would in terms of outputs and outcomes.

I present updates to the Towns Fund Board and to the members and get involved in anything and everything the City Council needs me to do associated with the Towns Fund.

Throughout your business role with Cowburn Watson-Box, which projects are you currently working on?

In addition to acting as Programme Managers for the Council, we also work with the City Council's finance team, ensuring our Monitoring and Evaluation reporting is submitted to central government. This ensures we receive our funding, allowing us to deliver the projects.

We also act as Client Representative for the Council on the Amounderness House development, supporting the council with the project and acting as an extension of the internal team.

With some of the Harris Quarter regeneration projects coming to completion, how do you feel this focus on entertainment and culture offering for Preston City Centre will benefit residents and visitors?

I was born and raised in Chorley and Preston was always the "big night out" growing up, so it's always held special memories as a place.

The Harris Quarter Regeneration is something I'm personally and professionally extremely passionate about ensuring is delivered for the people of Preston. It will be the catalyst for taking Preston to the next level as a City - a booming cultural quarter, an emerging Station Quarter and obviously, the long-standing University means the City is primed for becoming even better than it currently is.

The increase in City Centre Residential developments is also key to developing the City and will support the day and night-time economy. Cities nearby are pricing out locals and young people, so Preston has a fantastic opportunity to nurture the existing and capture a lot of new talent in the North West.

For existing residents, the developments will increase the sense of pride they have for their city, and a brilliant independent food and entertainment scene will be complimented by some of the nationals - again, change can be scary, but as seen in the recent developments in Stockport, the adage of rising tides lift all boats is true.

The local scene there has absolutely boomed with a new business area and Animate-style development - the increased footfall they've brought into the town has helped launch numerous new bars, restaurants and local events.

For visitors, we've got to make Preston a destination, somewhere you can pop in for a little shop, grab some food, watch a gig and ultimately consider moving to. How many times do you visit a new city and say, "I could live here!" all because of the experiences you have?

Preston must remain Proud Preston - don't try to be something else.

Glasgow has the West End, Manchester the Northern Quarter, and Barcelona the Gothic Quarter. It is easy to be cynical, but if Preston is brave, it is on the starting blocks of having a fantastic area of the city to shout about, and we'll be hearing people say, "Have you been to the Harris Quarter?"