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Marks & Spencer focus on benefits of collaboration and Town Centre engagement at “connect, build & prosper” event in Rochdale Town Hall

Graeme Fitchett Store Manager M&S Rochdale

Over 65 representatives from 25 businesses gathered in Rochdale Town Hall on Wednesday evening for the Rochdale in Business Summer Event, titled Forward Together, organised by Rochdale Town Centre Management and supported by Rochdale Council.

Graeme Fitchett, Manager of Marks & Spencer, one of the first adopters of the scheme said “Our partnership working with TCM and membership of Rochdale in Business has brought us great local benefits. It’s helping improve our sales, making our staff happier and involved, and we feel we’re supporting the community”

Graeme added “we’re also more involved with local events and overall we value the partnership knowledge and support mechanism”

Other speakers focused on the positive initiatives taking place in the town, which reflect the Connect Build and Prosper theme of Rochdale in Business, the Town Centre Management Company’s new membership scheme. Rochdale Council’s Director of Economy and Environment, Mark Widdup, also shared positive information about Town Centre developments. 

Mark Foxley of Town Centre Management said “Companies who build strong partnerships and alliances within their business communities are well equipped to move forward with confidence in challenging economic environments, and this was reflected in our event title Forward Together”

“Membership of Rochdale in Business, provides businesses of all kinds a great support package. This ranges from marketing & promotional support including social media and the Love Rochdale loyalty card, along with improved communications, crime reduction & safety schemes”

Deputy Leader of the council Councillor Peter Williams said “How encouraging to see so many businesses collaborating, we are keen to support business initiatives in town centres” 

Rochdale in Business has over 50 members ranging from retailers to solicitors and service providers. Full details are available at www.rochdaleinbusiness.co.uk

29 Jul 2015