Local chamber manager leaves after five years

The Rochdale manager of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is leaving her role after five year's service.

Carol Hopkins, who looks after chamber members in Rochdale, Bury, Oldham and Bolton, leaves on 11 September to become Rochdale Council's new Business Liaison Manager.

Ms Hopkins said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the Chamber and appreciate all the help and support I have received over the years.

"People will still see me around in Rochdale and I hope to see people at the Chamber's networking events - even though this time I will be there as a guest."

Ms Hopkins' departure comes at a time when the Chamber is facing criticism from some of its business members over cutbacks. Three local manager posts were lost earlier this year, and while the vacancy left by Ms Hopkins is expected to be filled, there will be just two local managers to look after the Chamber's 5000 business members across the ten Greater Manchester boroughs in the interim.