EEF comment on overhaul to transport across Manchester

EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation

Commenting on the announcement of a overhaul to transport across Manchester, Richard Halstead, Membership Engagement Director for the North at EEF, said: “Manufacturing business leaders will welcome today's announcement of a major overhaul of transport across Greater Manchester as a positive signal about the future of our region.

"Transport is a core part of the skills challenge facing Greater Manchester's manufacturers, better transport unlocks a wider access to talent, widens opportunities for industrial apprenticeships and improves knowledge sharing and collaboration across supply chains and between academia and business.

“As Transport for Greater Manchester develops its plans it will be crucial to involve businesses to ensure they support economic growth.

"Today's announcement is also a call to action for local authority leaders still prevaricating on devolution – get a devolution deal signed to unlock new transport powers to improve your business environment or risk backlash from your local business community who will see the benefits happening elsewhere.”