Stockport Business Summit put the focus on collaboration as Marketing Stockport celebrates 5 years of putting the spotlight on Stockport’s already diverse, innovative and successful business community.
Since 2012, the spotlight on Stockport has got brighter and the beam wider as over £1billion is being invested in regenerating Stockport and everyone needs to know about it.
Helen White from Marketing Stockport reports on the recent summit:
Stockport’s recent Stockport Business Summit hosted by Stockport Council and Stockport Economic Alliance (SEA) – Your Stockport, Your Business, Your Future – got the message across loud and clear. Future growth and prosperity is going to be increasingly dependent upon collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver the agenda. The highest capital plan in Stockport’s history is set to deliver a sustainable future – where businesses will want to invest, bringing more people, more choice and financial growth. Stockport Council’s Director of Place, Caroline Simpson, enthused: “new life is coming to Stockport; we are at a turning point and we are determined to keep the momentum going”.
By 2020, Stockport will become financially independent from central government. Cllr Alex Gonotis said that by addressing the skills gap and nurturing talent, the future workforce could be secured; improvements in education will lessen dependencies on public sector – as in health for example – and ongoing property development in the town centre and across the borough will attract new residents.
And there are networks and initiatives, working collaboratively and equally determined to contribute to Stockport’s success. As well as ourselves, Stockport’s BID – Totally Stockport – is focussed on changing perceptions of the town centre to boost the economy and improve the experience for everyone. The Business Growth Hub provides access to 147 experts to aid business growth across new enterprises and existing businesses looking for growth.
Before addressing a panel of business representatives, Christian Mancier, chair of SEA, reiterated the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s intention to create a GM wide digital strategy driving innovation, connectivity and opportunity.
Collectively and working together, we can ensure that Stockport continues to flourish and capitalise on its heritage while looking ahead and future-proofing its position as a leading north west destination to live, work, rest and play!
By Helen White at Marketing Stockport