RDA Annual Conference attracts its biggest audience to date

Rochdale Development Agency hosted its annual conference at Middleton Arena on Thursday 8 October 2009.

The event was attended by more than 200 stakeholders, including businesses, developers, investors, partners and politicians and was chaired by North West political journalist Jim Hancock.

Delegates enjoyed a number of professional presentations and videos on the key themes of people, place and prosperity.

The speakers gave an overview of developments happening in the borough, including news of US company C R Laurence creating its new European HQ at Kingsway Business Park.

The conference allowed guests to see how designs are progressing for the new town centre transport interchange, the £60 million municipal offices, new town centre retail developments, the construction of the new Tesco store in Middleton, the new sixth form college and investments in sport and leisure facilities across the borough.

John Hudson, Chief Executive of Rochdale Development Agency said, "I am delighted to be announcing a new international business moving to Kingsway Business Park and we are in positive discussions with a number of other companies which will result in jobs for local people. Regenerating a borough during a global economic recession is always going to be complex, but progress is being made here and we are working hard with our partners to keep up momentum."

Angie Robinson, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, one of the guest speakers, said, "A thriving business environment is vital to the progress of Rochdale. It's great to see the commitment to business and the recognition that economic recovery comes from successful companies as that stimulates confidence, encourages growth and generates jobs."

Deborah Hayeems, Regional Corporate Affairs Manager at Tesco outlined the supermarket's plans to create hundreds of jobs in Middleton. She said, "We are very proud to be playing a role in the regeneration of Middleton, investing £21 million in our new town centre store and creating jobs for local people. We have made a commitment that half of those new jobs will be guaranteed to people who have been out of work for six months or more and will be setting up a local regeneration partnership to deliver support and training to make sure local people can take advantage of the opportunities created."

Peter Watson, Managing Director of Business Link Northwest, who sponsored the event, said, "The Rochdale Development Agency annual conference is an important event that shows the fantastic work that is being done to breathe new life into the borough and we were delighted to support it in 2009."