BY SUE SOUTER

THERE are many changes taking place in Stockport town centre, yet I’m still meeting people who have no idea about the developments.

It appears that, despite physical change, we aren’t proudly shouting about our successes. We have award-winning restaurants like The Allotment and Where The Light Gets In, yet if a friend asked for recommendations on places to go for quality food, most of us suggest Heaton Moor or Didsbury.

This way of thinking has to change and we have to be the first to start recommending Stockport and highlighting its strengths. The same applies to the business community too. The annual Stockport Business Awards attracted more than 400 guests again this year - held at Stockport’s town hall.

We’d heard that new entrants had assumed the event would be fairly modest and held in a room above a pub.

Post-event feedback from attendees said the event was so professionally organised, it rivalled city centre award ceremonies.

Events organised by Totally Stockport have also helped to showcase what the town can offer shoppers and families and, combined with other attractions, it shows a whole new direction for Stockport.

With Redrock due to open imminently, you’ll soon be able to have that business lunch in Pizza Express or bring the family in to Stockport for a fun-packed day out.

Stockport Exchange provides a new gateway into the town which improves the first impression for rail users, but it’s the smaller changes like new paving on the A6 that are subtly enhancing the visitor experience.

With further major changes planned, like a new bus station and changes to the A6 to provide a more pleasant experience for pedestrians and road users, the future of Stockport looks bright, but it’s up to us to share the good news to really ensure success for the town.