Rochdale’s the best place to do business

Richard Hagan, founder and Managing Director of Rochdale’s Crystal Doors

Businesses from across the borough and beyond have been told Rochdale’s the best place in the UK to do business.

At a special event aimed at helping local manufacturing companies get the financial support they need, Richard Hagan, founder and Managing Director of Rochdale’s Crystal Doors, said: “Rochdale is the best place to be if you want to succeed in business. I go to all kinds of events all over the country and meet managing directors and executives from all sorts of businesses and they are amazed at the local support I draw on.

“The fact that I can pick up the phone to Rochdale Development Agency or the Business Growth Hub and immediately get practical support and advice, amazes people. Help is right here on the doorstep for businesses and it’s fantastic. I couldn’t have survived without it.”

The “Survive and Thrive – Access to Finance” event took place at Rochdale Golf Club in Norden and was organised by the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub and the Manufacturing Advisory Service, in partnership with Rochdale Development Agency and Rochdale and Oldham Councils.

As well as Mr Hagan, speakers included Sue Barnard from the Business Growth Hub, Philip Hargreaves from the North West Fund, John Hudson, Chief Executive of Rochdale Development Agency, Prakash Patel from the North West Access to Finance Service and Chris Taylor from Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Hudson said: “Despite the current economic climate, Rochdale has been incredibly successful attracting new investment and helping businesses already based here really thrive. Richard has been here since 1994 and as his business has grown we have helped him find new, more suitable premises and also secure funding which has helped him diversify his business and remain competitive in a very difficult market.

“This event has made sure businesses understand who is at the end of a telephone to help them access the finance they need and how by working together we can maximise their chance of getting it.”

Sue Barnard from the Business Growth Hub said: “This was a really positive event and it’s great to hear how supported Rochdale businesses are feeling. Our MAS and Access to Finance teams are working closely with local partners to ensure that Rochdale has a full support programme in place for manufacturers looking to grow. Companies can take advantage of a review that identifies key priority areas and funding is also available for improvement projects that will help businesses to increase efficiency, develop new products, strengthen supply chains and boost sales.”

MAS is one of a range of services delivered by Greater Manchester’s Business Growth Hub which supports growing and ambitious businesses with a wide range of business support from expert public and private sector partners. Products and services available through the Hub also include UKTI, Access to Finance, Start-Up Loans, NW Business Angels, ENWORKS, the Academy for Chief Executives, Apprenticeships, mentoring programmes and Growth Lunches.