Two leading Macclesfield business groups have come together in support of ambitious plans to revitalise the town centre, in an initiative supported by local MP, David Rutley.
Enterprising Macclesfield, in conjunction with Macclesfield Chamber of Commerce, which between them represent multiple industry sectors employing over 10,000 people in and around the town, have formed a new organisation, ‘Macclesfield for Business’. The group will work actively with Cheshire East Council, seizing the opportunity presented by the publication of the Council's draft ‘There’s No Place Like Macclesfield’ strategy to press for an ambitious regeneration programme for Macclesfield town centre, that creates jobs and opportunities and also focuses on what Macclesfield needs from a business perspective.
Macclesfield for Business has a Steering Group with over 20 major businesses and business groups represented. It had its first open meeting earlier this month at AstraZeneca Macclesfield. This well-attended event was hosted by Mr Erik Bogentoft, Chief Finance Officer of AstraZeneca Macclesfield. David joined the meeting to show his support for the new initiative, and gave assurances that he would work actively with the group to help deliver regeneration plans that will make Macclesfield a more distinctive destination for shopping and services.
David is also pleased that Cheshire East Council has agreed to extend the timeframe in which comments can be submitted to the ongoing consultation on the draft ‘There’s No Place Like Macclesfield’ strategy, to Wednesday 6th December. The original deadline for making submissions was 15th November, and the extension highlights the strong level of interest in these plans from residents and businesses. The Council has also hosted a series of drop-in events, at which residents learned more about the regeneration plans and were able to feedback on the proposals directly to Council officers.
Chair of Enterprising Macclesfield, Tim Shercliff, said, “As a business community, we’re working hard to understand the different perspectives that businesses operating in and around the town can bring to the consultation process. The consultation process has galvanised us into action and we have had a fantastic response to date and look forward to producing a focused and constructive set of feedback. We welcome the collaborative approach and aim to bring the varied skills, experience and resources of the business community, working in conjunction with Cheshire East, key delivery partners and others to help realise Macclesfield’s great potential.”
Speaking after the meeting, David said, "I strongly welcome the establishment of Business for Macclesfield. It is vital local businesses have their say on these once-in-a-generation proposals, and the extension of the consultation closing date provides opportunity for yet more businesses to get involved. I will continue to work actively with local business groups and the Council to deliver a vibrant town centre that residents and businesses deserve, with greater investment in the public realm than is currently proposed by Cheshire East Council."