Michelle McHugh, Interim Head of Innovation & Investment

Posted on 3 Jun 2025

Meet Michelle, Interim Head of Innovation and Investment

Tell me a bit about yourself.

I grew up in Littleborough and attended St Cuthbert’s High School before studying accountancy at Oldham College.

Outside of work, I’m a married mum who enjoys travelling, watching crime dramas, and baking. I also have a rescue cat called Caticus.

Having lived and worked in Rochdale for so long, I know the town and its business community really well and have seen first-hand the challenges we’ve faced and the progress we’ve made. When I think back to Rochdale 2006 when I started at the RDA and compare it to now, the transformation has been incredible. The improvements to the town centre, schools, and leisure facilities have made a real difference. I used to go to Bury or the Trafford Centre, but now I pop into Rochdale for what I need.

What is your role with the RDA?

Recently, I’ve been seconded to the role of Interim Head of Innovation & Investment and my focus is on strategic planning - connecting Rochdale to Greater Manchester’s wider economic plans, securing funding, and ensuring our businesses and workforce benefit from initiatives like Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials and Sustainability (CEAMS) and the Advanced Machinery and Productivity Institute (AMPI).

In my previous role as Business Development Manager (Team Lead), I was part of the team that supports both new and existing businesses to grow through bespoke advice, connecting them with partners and support services and inviting them to our networking events. I also assisted businesses looking to invest in Rochdale, helping find a suitable property, supporting recruitment and signposting them to funding and supply chain opportunities.

A key part of my role within RDA is to build on the relationships I’ve already built and create new partnerships to support our business community.

Why did you choose to work with the RDA?

While at Oldham College I realised spreadsheets weren’t for me so when I finished I joined a work placement scheme through Groundwork that led to a six-month admin role with the Kingsway Development Team, which was part of the RDA. As that role was coming to an end, I successfully applied for a permanent admin position. 

Over the years, the RDA has given me lots opportunities to learn and develop new skills which has enabled me to progress into different roles within the organisation including admin/PA, project officer and then into the business engagement team. It’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed so long, that and seeing the impact of our work, such as the transformation of Kingsway Business Park.

What projects do you work on?

I’m involved in a range of projects, including inward investment and business support initiatives like CEAMS and AMPI, that I mentioned earlier. My team also works on strategic projects like Atom Valley, which is Manchester’s Mayoral Development Zone, a major economic growth initiative for North Manchester.

Beyond the big-picture projects, a lot of my work is about supporting businesses directly and working with partners like Rochdale Council, the Business Growth Hub and training providers to make sure they have the skills and infrastructure they need to succeed.

What do you really enjoy about your profession?

Every day is different. One day I might be helping a company relocate, then I’m working on a funding bid and another day I’m speaking to young people about career opportunities in Rochdale.

But what I love most is seeing the impact of our work. When a business moves here, creates jobs, and grows, that has a real, positive effect on the borough. It’s also rewarding to engage with young people, showing them the careers we have available locally.

I had no idea what I wanted to do when I left school, so if I can help someone else see their options more clearly, that’s a win.

What makes you get up in the morning?

Honestly? A bit of stubbornness! I had my daughter at a young age and people made assumptions about what my future would look like. I was determined to prove them wrong and have built a career, progressed into senior roles, and made a real impact - so that drives me.

Beyond that, I genuinely enjoy what I do. Rochdale is changing for the better, and I want to be part of that. Seeing the town grow, businesses succeed, and people find good jobs makes the work worthwhile.

Oh, and I did try to leave the RDA—twice! But I never actually went. I guess that tells you everything you need to know about how much I enjoy working here.