Economic Alliance bids to drive Rochdale’s economy through co-operation

Stuart Sawle

Rochdale’s businesses are being urged to unite to drive the borough’s economy.

Rochdale Economic Alliance hosted a Business Breakfast, chaired by Stuart Sawle, of Heywood-based business Sysop Ltd, he told assembled guests he wants the private sector to be more involved in similar events.

Speaking after the breakfast, Mr Sawle explained the group want to boost Rochdale’s economy through cooperation between private sector businesses.

“We are hoping to achieve a thriving economy in he borough of Rochdale,” he said.

“As regeneration in the Borough gathers pace then more businesses will want to share in the success.

“Rochdale used to have a thriving economy as a ‘mill town’ but now 21st century demands are for high-tech skills.

“There are many such businesses within the borough and their input can help us shape and promote the borough more widely.”

Jim Taylor, Chief Executive of Rochdale Council, spoke at the event, detailing the progress being made in the borough and fielding questions from guests.

He explained unemployment figures in Rochdale have dropped – going against the national rise – while Number One Riverside’s opening will eventually see 2,000 partners and staff members housed.

Mr Taylor also explained the new bus interchange, river re-opening and Drake Street tram stop were all progressing and Rochdale have attracted more government grants through the Regional Growth Fund than any other borough.

Following a question from the audience, Mr Taylor stated the ‘Black Box’ and old bus station will be demolished as soon as the new transport interchange is complete.

Guests at the breakfast also heard from Graeme Fielden, a director of Rochdale-based design and manufacture company Suprafilt Ltd, on his experience of exporting business.

He explained the company now export to Saudi Arabia, South America, Tunisia and many middle-eastern countries, having met American company SSI at a Munich trade fair in 2004.

As SSI’s sole distributor, 25% of Suprafilt’s turnover comes from exports and Mr Fielden also believes it has enhanced their reputation at home – proven by a new £2million Liverpool-based contract.

Sysop, DG Consultancy, Wheaton plc and CJ Property Developments also discussed the merits, and disadvantages, of export with other businesses at the breakfast.

After this discussion, the room also spoke of other problems facing their businesses, including the difficulty in recruiting skilled workers.

Mr Sawle explained: “This should be a forum for sensible discussions and while the businesses don’t have the power to change things – they can challenge.”

He closed the meeting by asking if anybody wishes to join the Rochdale Economic Alliance: “We want to help develop the economy of the borough through co-operation and dialogue between the activities of the public-sector agencies and businesses within the borough,” he later told Rochdale Online.

“We aim to promote Rochdale as a borough in which to live and do business.

“This is a small commitment in time – only a few hours per quarter – with a potentially massive benefit for the economy of the Borough.”

For more information on the Economic Alliance, or to join, contact Carol Hopkins at carol.hopkins@rochdale.gov.uk or by phone on 01706 924886.