Buy Local Spend Local

John Kay (Rochdale Online), Roger Ellis (Council CEO) & Paul Rowen MP with Cllrs Swift and Shariff in the background

9 More Image(s) In Gallery

Small businesses were encouraged to take up business opportunities with Rochdale Council and other public sector organisations at a Buy Local Spend Local event held at Rochdale Town Hall on Thursday 7 December.

More than twenty of the Council’s senior decision makers met hundreds of representatives from the local business community for one-to-one introductions.

The event was opened by President of the local Chamber of Commerce, and Rochdale Online Director, John Kay.

John Kay said: “By working with local business wherever possible Rochdale Council will be maximising the value of every pound spent.”

The highlight was the signing of a 'Small Business Concordat' by Roger Ellis, the Council’s Chief Executive. The document ‘raises the game’ of both the local authority and small business community, re-affirming the fact that the mutual value and impact of the local economy are inextricably linked.

Roger Ellis said: “We are pleased to join with our public sector partners to create a platform for building closer relationships with the local business community. Signing the Concordat should make it easier for small businesses to compete, providing a boost to the Borough’s economy.”

Amongst services represented at the event weree Rochdale Council’s Culture, Sport and Leisure, Environmental Management, and Education services, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, Greater Manchester Fire amp; Rescue Service, Greater Manchester Police, Heywood, Middleton amp; Rochdale PCT and Greater Manchester Ambulance Service.

Buy Local Spend Local, supported with funding from Rochdale Council and SRB5 (Revitalising inner Rochdale), made it possible for 146 meetings to take place between local businesses and representatives from several public sector organisations.

If you are a small business within the borough and would like to know more about working with the public sector please contact Rochdale Council’s Corporate Procurement team on 01706 925590.