Inaugural Rochdale Business Forum

Photo: Alan Mellalieu

Councillor Richard Farnell, Leader of Rochdale Council; Malcolm Gallagher from Biz Vision; Chris Stern, local Business rating expert and President Elect of Rochdale Chamber of Commerce; Tom Leader from Sale Sharks; Peter Carey of Sedgwick Legal; Club Chairman Iain Coates; Club President Terry Collins; Carol Hopkins; Sharron Robson, Director of Procurement at STaR;

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Over one hundred delegates attended the inaugural Rochdale Business Forum at Rochdale RUFC Clubhouse, Bamford on 25 February.

The delegates represented the various businesses and business networking organisations operating in Rochdale Borough including BNI, Credo, Castleton Business Forum, The Rochdale, Rochdale Online and Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and hosts, Rochdale RUFC Business Club.

The event was chaired by Peter Carey of Sedgwick Legal who introduced speakers including the Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Richard Farnell, Sharron Robson, Director of Procurement at STaR (Stockport, Trafford and Rochdale Procurement), Chris Stern, local business rating expert and President elect of Rochdale Chamber of Commerce, and Tom Leader from Sale Sharks, followede by a presentation by motivational speaker Malcolm Gallagher from Biz Vision.

Mr Carey commented: “The object of the Forum is to bring various networking groups together to speak with one voice and carry greater weight in what they say to the Local Authority and the various agencies with whom the business people of Rochdale need to interact.

"We hope that with a Rochdale Business Forum we can make our voice heard a little louder and longer.

"We aim to try to ensure that wealth and employment opportunities are retained in the Borough and to regenerate the business outlook for the hardworking business and townspeople of Rochdale.”

RRUFC Club Chairman Iain Coates and Club President Terry Collins presented Councillor Farnell with a RRUFC shield to commemorate the occasion.

Announcing the setting up of the first Hitz social inclusion programme for young people at a non-Premiership rugby club, Iain Coates observed: “RRUFC is one of Rochdale’s hidden gems.

"It is a winning team, not just on the pitch but in promoting the town and putting value back into the local community.

"We hope that we can provide a focal point and the facilities to assist businesses in Rochdale in driving on to greater success and promoting the best of this Borough.”