The Stockport Economic Alliance was established in 1999 as an arena in which different organisations and businesses come together to discuss how they can respond effectively to the changing needs of the Stockport economy. From these discussions Stockport’s Economic Development Strategy 2002 – 2012 was born with the vision:
"To unleash Stockport’s potential as an economic force within the region whilst enhancing our social and economic fabric – towards a strong and responsible economy."
This vision and its five associated strategic objectives remain at the heart of the Alliance today, through which they support the development of projects and programmes which will encourage investment; facilitate business development and promote job creation.
Our Achievements
To date the Stockport Economic Alliance can boast a large number of successes in its delivering the strategy, including:
- Inward investment to Stockport creating and safeguarding 2,968 jobs and totalling over £123 million investment (2007-2009)
- Second highest employment rate within Greater Manchester and the local unemployment rate remaining as one of the lowest in Greater Manchester despite being challenged by the credit crunch and recession
- One of the largest contributors of GVA to the Greater Manchester Economy at 10.9%. This sizeable contribution shows that Stockport is a major player in the sub-regional economy
- The “Stockport into Work” programme helped 117 people gain sustained employment and achieved the reward target as set out in the Local Area Agreement
- Completed restoration of the covered Market Hall which opened in November 2008
- Completion of the redevelopment of St Peters Square into a new public square
- 58 businesses attended the Winning Business Academy and learnt essential business techniques, including growth strategies and how to win the best customers
- Successful continuation of the “Silver Entrepreneurs”, business start up programme for over 50’s resulting in 42 new start-up businesses since 2007
- Successful Meet the Buyer event assisting over 134 companies in approaching the Public Sector in March 2009
- Continuation of the quarterly networking event programme, including the South Manchester Financial and Professional Network
- Maintenance and further development of Business Incubation space at Broadstone Mill, Reddish, to accommodate “spin out” companies from Manchester University
- Securing a 7-day free town centre shuttle bus service
Roles and Responsibilities
The Stockport Economic Alliance serves a key role in helping to create the right conditions for economic and employment growth in a number of ways, these include:
- Overseeing the implementation of the Economic Development Strategy 2002 – 2012 and the associated action plan
- Representing the needs and concerns of the local business community in matters of strategic importance
- Meeting to discuss changes in the local, regional and sub-regional economy/business environment which may have an impact on Stockport
- Setting the agenda for future activity to be included within the strategy and its associated action plans
- Bringing together a range of agencies and delivery partners towards a common goal of developing the local economy
- Communicating the work and achievements of the Economic Development Strategy to a wide audience
Members of Stockport Economic Alliance meet on a quarterly basis. The Alliance also holds an annual conference, which enables broader consultation to take place. In addition, the Alliance hosts the South Manchester Financial and Professional Services Network and Creative Industries Network, as well as supporting a range of other activities and events that aim to promote development of the local economy.
Contact us
For more information on how the Stockport Economic Alliance are working together to enhance Stockport’s economy please contact the Alliance directly (see 'Related Contacts').