Lots of talent on doorstep
WE know Stockport has all the physical attributes to rival many cities – excellent shopping amenities, extensive bus, road and rail links, new retail and leisure developments and being situated just a few miles away from the UK’s largest regional airport, Manchester Airport.
But one attribute that isn’t so obvious is the easy access to a skilled workforce. It’s a benefit that attracts businesses to Stockport en mass.
The rise in the number of recruitment companies in Stockport – many specialising in specific sectors - illustrates the desire from businesses looking to be based here to employ talent being nurtured on our very own doorstep.
I recently met with an international business in Stockport looking to open a UK HQ and they said that the availability of quality staff was high on their priority list when choosing a new office location.
Greater Manchester benefits from a number of good regional universities, so any part of the GM city region could provide a skilled workforce. It left my customers with a choice as to which part of the borough would satisfy their requirements best.
The unparalleled transport infrastructure that gives Stockport such a broad catchment area sets the town apart from the rest of GM.
The investments being made into the cycle ways, roads and public transport hubs will continue to strengthen the town’s appeal.
I explained to my guests about improvements being made to our transport network, the new retail and leisure scheme, Redrock and the mixeduse business hub and gateway to the town, Stockport Exchange. I was then delighted to hear their next question which was: “So, this is Manchester, yes?”
It’s encouraging to know that while Stockport doesn’t even have a city status, it is doing enough to convince someone that it could well be the centre of Manchester.