Trade Fair showcases wealth of Rochdale’s business talent

Photo: Pete Hinchliffe

Mayor James Gartside with John Kay of Molesworth Bright Clegg

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The Trade Fair that took place at Rochdale’s Town Hall today gave Rochdale’s business community an opportunity to exhibit their diversity and enthusiasm.

Twenty six exhibitors were welcomed to the Great Hall by Rochdale, Rochdale, Rochdale’s John Byrne and John Kay of Molesworth Bright Clegg. John Kay said that the real benefits of events like this was not only to let the public meet and chat to the exhibitors but also to present an opportunity for networking.

Whilst exhibitors admitted that times were tough economically, advanced plans to bring in the Metrolink and open up the river would have a very positive effect on the town and its businesses. Everyone we spoke to stressed the need to work positively for the future.

John Byrne whose company, Junction 21 specialises in chauffeur driven taxis and airport taxis for business clients was very clearly enthusiastic. “It is so important to establish relationships in business.” He told us. “If they like us, they trust us and want to do their business with us.” Together with John Kay, Mr Byrne had worked extremely hard to make his vision of a trade fair become a reality.

As well as long established businesses like Butterworth’s Jewellers at the bottom of Drake Street, newer, innovative companies like the Fuel Saver Company who sell environmentally friendly fuel additives that could save you up to 20% on your vehicle fuel bill were present.

The Fair was visited by Mayor James Gartside who visited all the stands and spent time talking to people from the business community and was clearly impressed by what he saw. He too spoke of the great values afforded by the opportunity for members of the local business community to meet and talk to each other as well as to discuss both areas of concern and those of benefit.

As well as businesses, there were exhibitors providing information about the apprenticeship schemes and from organisations such as the Middleton Rotary Club who are anxious to reach out to young people through its schools programme.

Fiona Shepherd of C’est Chic told us that she had started her own formal workwear and accessories business after being made redundant from her job at the Town Hall two years previously. Her display was certainly very eye-catching.

A full listing of exhibitors is as follows:

Rochdale Online - Online News, Business Listings, Web Design
Butterworth’s - Jewellery
Onsite Fire Protection - Fire Fighting Equipment, Consultants & Engineers
Groundwork - Training
Molesworths - Solicitors
OL-eleven - Design & Print
Junction 21 - Chauffeur Driven Taxis & Private Hire | Airport Transfer
Beads From The Art - Jewellery
Ladies Only Gym
Anthony K Associates - Car Purchase
Central Networks & Technologies - Support Services & Intelligent Communications
Bamford Contract Services - Recruitment and Employment
High Street Foundation - High St Promotion
Click Security - Installations
H T Wilkinson Photographers
Mark Iveson Blinds
CTN Communications - Telecommunications
Streetwise Mag - Magazine
Rochdale Borough Women’s Enterprise Network
Middleton Rotary Club
KW Mortgages
O2 - Business Telecoms
RUCA Marketing Communications Solutions
CJ Partnership - Architects
Blue Orchid - Support for self employed people
C’est Chic - Fashion Accessories
Rochdale Council - Apprenticeships
Avanti Plastic Cards