ALMOST £12 MILLION INVESTED IN STOCKPORT IN PAST YEAR

Stockport has seen £11.8 million of investment during the past year, with 900 new jobs created and a further 620 retained locally.

Companies investing in the borough for the first time include Fibrestar Drums who moved to new headquarters in Hazel Grove, internet holiday company On The Beach, and specialist lender Blemain Group selecting Stockport as their new home.

In addition, many companies committed their long term future to the borough. Recent announcements include Jacobs Engineering retaining their Stockport office by moving to Park Square, Cheadle Hulme, and safeguarding 400 jobs; catering equipment supplier Stephenson’s expanding by investing over £500,000 in neighbouring premises; and Rhino Court becoming the new home for Beeley and Co following their purchase of a unit on the business park.

Stockport has been ranked 14th out of 74 town and cities for the most favourable business conditions in Santander’s UK Town and City Index. The study found that Stockport excelled in business connectivity, business survival rates, business start-up rates, and resident’s qualifications. The research is supported by the Greater Manchester Business Survey which reported high levels of satisfaction with Stockport as a business location.

Councillor Iain Roberts, Executive Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “We are delighted that so many companies chose to invest in Stockport during the past year. Investment on this scale confirms Stockport’s strength as a key business location, and that the borough continues to thrive despite the prevailing economic conditions. Stockport Council is committed to proactively supporting the local business community, to ensure that all companies thrive and the borough reaches its full potential as a business location.”

“The strengths highlighted in the recent surveys make the borough a highly attractive option to companies looking for a base for their business,” Cllr Roberts added.

Baron Frankal, Director of Economic Strategy at New Economy, said: “Stockport is a major asset to Greater Manchester’s economy, with a high level of skills amongst its residents, excellent housing options and good proximity to central Manchester.

“It also has an excellent train links, making it less than two hours away from London. Stockport based businesses are optimistic about increasing their turnover and productivity levels over the next few years.”

To find out more about Stockport as a business location and the initiatives taking visit www.stockport.gov.uk/business