Rossendale’s Business leaders join forces with the Council

Reporter: Nick Molyneux
Date online: 21 June 2010

Businesses leaders from some of the largest and most influential employers in Rossendale took part in a breakfast networking event hosted by Rossendale Council today (18th June) at the Business Centre, Futures Park, Bacup.

Keynote speakers included Rossendale Council’s Chief Executive, Helen Lockwood; new MP, Jake Berry; Council Leader, Tony Swain; and Rossendale Council’s Director of Business, Stuart Sugarman.

The breakfast meeting provided an opportunity for local businesses to find out more about the progress of key regeneration initiatives such as the Valley Centre, New Hall Hey, the Rawtenstall to Manchester Commuter Rail Link, bus interchange proposals and the new leisure investment including the Ski Slope.

It was also an opportunity for local businesses to raise issues of concern to them with political leaders in the borough and to find out more about the business support available locally.

Around 15 members of the local business community attended and there was an opportunity for informal discussions and networking with other businesses at the end of the event.

Rossendale’s Council Leader, Tony Swain, who is also a local businessman said:

“This was the first time that the Council has directly engaged with the local business community in this way and the feedback we received shows that local businesses welcomed this opportunity to meet key people from the Council and Rossendale’s MP.”

“Although times are tough at the moment it is important that the Council works hard to support the local business community and encourages job creation and enterprise.”

“We have a lot of exciting projects and initiatives that we are working on at the moment and it is important that local businesses understand the challenges to be overcome and the opportunities that we hope will be created.”

Chief Executive Helen Lockwood added:

“It was really useful to be able to listen to what the local business community want and their comments and suggestions. We are working hard to encourage regeneration across the borough and we hope that this will provide business opportunities for local businesses to develop and flourish.”