Westminster group came to Rochdale

Westminster came to Rochdale to speak to local manufacturers about the changing landscape of regional support policies and programmes.

Invited by Rochdale’s MP, Simon Danczuk, the Associate Manufacturing Parliamentary Group (AMPG) hosted a meeting at Rochdale town hall for businesses and support agencies to discuss the impact of Government policies.

Representatives from Hanson Springs, Vindon Healthcare, Rochdale Council, MIDAS, Manchester’s Investment and Development Agency and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce were among those in attendance.

Some of the topics discussed included how the Regional Growth Fund had yet to pay out any cash to local businesses that were successful with their bids, the need to have a stronger manufacturing presence on the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership and a call for all politicians to do more to promote the image of manufacturing.

Commenting afterwards, Simon Danczuk said the regional meeting organized by the AMPG was the only one of its kind in the North West and it would be feeding directly back to the Chancellor, George Osborne.

“I want Rochdale businesses to feel their concerns are being relayed back to the heart of Government,” he said, “and this meeting will form part of a report that’s presented to the Chancellor before his autumn budget.

“We’ve got some fantastic manufacturers in Rochdale and the discussions were really helpful in making the case for manufacturing as a serious priority for Government.

"There’s a lot more that can be done and if we’re serious about growth then ministers need to listen to what local businesses are saying. I’d like to thank Rochdale Council for hosting the event and for being so accommodating.”