Preston Threads

Preston City Council
  • 5.0 (1)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

Welcome to the Preston Thread Podcast!  Welcome to Preston Threads, hosted by Neetal Parekh, the podcast that will dive under the skin of our communities to uncover what Community Wealth Building really means. Together, we’ll explore how it’s shaping change across the city, supporting the new Corporate Plan, and driving forward our city’s strategy for the future. Our episodes will be talking to councillors, artists, business owners, and community representatives who are working hand in hand with the city council,  and with each other, to test new ideas, rethink traditional business models, and build more collaborative ways of working. So what is Community Wealth Building in action? What does it mean for local people? Come and find out! 

Episodes

  1. Preston Threads - Episode 3 – The Arts and Culture scene

    17/12/2025

    Preston Threads - Episode 3 – The Arts and Culture scene

    In this episode of Preston Threads, Neetal sits down with Councillor Anna Hindle, mural artist Shawn Sharpe, and Esther Ferry-Kennington, Executive Producer of Encounter Festival. Together, they explore Preston’s vibrant arts and culture scene and share what’s on the horizon. Tune in to discover how the city’s creative landscape is evolving, what exciting developments are coming next, and how arts and culture is set to shape Preston for years to come. Tune in to listen and find out what makes Preston stand out from other northern cities? Find out more about Community Wealth Building: https://preston.gov.uk/article/1335/What-is-Community-Wealth-Building

    44 min

  2. 11/11/2025 ·  BONUS

    Preston’s Living Wage Journey – A Bite-Sized Episode

    In this bite-sized episode of Preston Threads, Neetal is joined by Councillor Valerie Wise to shed light on the Real Living Wage and what it means for Preston. Through practical examples, Valerie explains how the city is pioneering a fairer way of living for its residents and what it takes to become a Real Living Wage City.  Tune in to hear how Preston is leading the charge for local economic growth and community wellbeing. To learn more or become a Real Living Wage employer, visit: https://preston.gov.uk/prestonrealwage

    7 min

  3. 24/09/2025

    Regeneration: A City in Motion

    In this episode of Preston Threads, Neetal is joined by Councillor Valerie Wise, Tim Jacques from Vault, and Scott Latta of the Eric Wright Group to explore how Preston’s regeneration is shaping the future of the city.  Together, they unpack the major projects underway, the importance of embedding social value in development, and what it all means for residents, jobs, education, and opportunities for young people. Tune in to hear how Preston is moving forward and how the whole community stands to benefit. Read more about Preston 35: A Regeneration Plan.

    36 min

  4. 09/09/2025

    The Preston Model: Our Preston, Our Future

    Welcome to Episode 1 of Preston Threads.  In the first episode, our host and BBC broadcaster Neetal Parekh, speaks with Councillor Matthew Brown (Leader of Preston City Council), Emma Lowther-Wright (co-founder of a worker-owned business), and Michael Conlon (Chair of Conlon Construction).  They dive into the details of the Preston Model and how it's building community wealth, driving regeneration, and creating benefits for everyone who lives and works here.   Listen in full now.  You can find out more about The Preston Model and Community Wealth Building here: preston.gov.uk/communitywealthbuilding.

    27 min

  5. 28/08/2025

    Welcome to Preston Threads

    Preston Threads

    17 sec
  • 5 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

About

Welcome to the Preston Thread Podcast!  Welcome to Preston Threads, hosted by Neetal Parekh, the podcast that will dive under the skin of our communities to uncover what Community Wealth Building really means. Together, we’ll explore how it’s shaping change across the city, supporting the new Corporate Plan, and driving forward our city’s strategy for the future. Our episodes will be talking to councillors, artists, business owners, and community representatives who are working hand in hand with the city council,  and with each other, to test new ideas, rethink traditional business models, and build more collaborative ways of working. So what is Community Wealth Building in action? What does it mean for local people? Come and find out! 

Information

  • Creator
    Preston City Council
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Preston Threads
  • Show Website
    Preston Threads