Potential boom-time for local businesses

Local businesses could reap the rewards of the multi million pound regeneration activities taking place in the borough thanks to a new initiative.

Think Local is a new project that aims to equip businesses with the skills they need to trade with major companies who look set to move to the borough over the next few years.

Funded by Rochdale Economic Partnership, the project is designed to inform local businesses about the opportunities that might be available thanks to the new Kingsway development, including what kind of companies are coming onto Kingsway, how they can get involved and what other regeneration projects there are around the borough which could have an impact on their business.  The idea is to encourage companies to make contact with one another to keep wealth in the borough wherever possible.

Cabinet member for Regeneration, councillor Mohammed Sharif said:  "Trading locally has huge benefits.  It helps to keep wealth in the area, to sustain jobs and communities and it also has environmental benefits too.  I would strongly encourage businesses in the area to find out more about how their businesses could benefit from the opportunities available."

The first Think Local event takes place between 12pm and 5pm on 5 December at the The Ratcliffe Bars and Function Suites (next to Rochdale football ground). 

Registration is free and places can be booked via:

• www.think-local.net

The deadline for registration is Monday 26 November.