New Stockport Council leader's promise to 'business and innovation'

The new leader of Stockport Council has pledged to create an ‘investment fund’ to help businesses in the town.

Councillor Alex Ganotis, who is also the leader of the Stockport Labour Group following this month’s local elections, has also promised to ‘champion’ Stockport and support innovation.

He has already said the Labour Group ‘will go back to the drawing board’ and consult with Stockport Market traders before making new plans about the building’s future.

Coun Ganotis said: “Stockport is a fantastic place to do business and as leader of the council I will champion our borough not just at a local or regional level, but at a national and international one.

“That is the mark of the enormous economic potential I think Stockport has.

“Under my leadership the council will always work constructively with local businesses, seek to attract new business to the borough, and help to create the conditions which will allow innovation to take place.

“Stockport has some incredible assets, both in people and infrastructure,and these are vital in attracting the public and private inward investment which we should all be ambitious to see.

“Labour will create a Stockport Investment Fund focused on working with businesses to create well-paid employment opportunities for local people, better promote the council support that is available for local businesses, and look at how best to help local retailers as part of our wider vision to regenerate the town centre.”

The council is still under no overall control but the Labour group now has 23 of the 63 seats.

After 18 years as the largest party, the Liberal Democrats now have 21 and Labour will officially form a new administration to run the council on May 24.