BY HELEN WHITE

Marketing Stockport

MARKETING Stockport launched five years ago to shine the spotlight on Stockport’s diverse, innovative and successful businesses.

Since then, the spotlight has got brighter and the beam wider as over £1bn is being invested in regenerating Stockport and everyone needs to know about it.

Stockport’s recent Business Summit hosted by the Council and Stockport Economic Alliance (SEA) – Your Stockport, Your Business, Your Future – got the message across loud and clear.

Future growth and prosperity is increasingly dependent upon collaboration between the public and private sectors.

The highest capital plan in Stockport’s history will deliver a sustainable future – businesses will want to invest, attracting more people, more choice and financial growth.

Stockport council’s director of place, Caroline Simpson, said: “New life is coming to Stockport; we are at a turning point and we are determined to keep the momentum going”.

By 2020, Stockport will become financially independent from central government.

By addressing the skills gap and nurturing talent, the future workforce is secured; improvements in education will lessen dependencies on public sector – as in health for example – and ongoing property development throughout the borough will attract new residents.

There are already networks and initiatives working collaboratively, all determined to contribute to Stockport’s success.

As well as ourselves, Stockport’s BID – Totally Stockport – is focused on changing perceptions of the town centre to boost the economy and improve the experience for all.

The Business Growth Hub provides access to 147 experts to aid business growth and new enterprises.

Working together, we can ensure that Stockport continues to flourish and capitalise on its heritage while looking ahead and future-proofing its position as a leading north west destination to live, work, rest and play.