29-04-2015-New-Vision-for-Stockport

New Vision for Stockport
Since Marketing Stockport launched in 2012, we have seen the business community raise its head
above the pulpit, standing proud and tall alongside our neighbouring boroughs and our bigger
brother, Manchester.
There is immense passion for Stockport but like many other town centres and cities throughout the
UK, Stockport has struggled to retain its identity as a destination of choice against competition and,
in our case, from the successful ‘villages’ such as Cheadle, Bramhall, and the Heatons. High Streets
have increased challenges as the Internet provides a new, often more convenient way to bank, book
a holiday or shop.
We need more innovative ways to reinvigorate and attract people back and to build a Stockport that
has a sustainable future. The Council is playing a key role in the regeneration of the town centre with
new developments, investment in transportation links and making it easier to get into the town. But
they can’t do it alone.
Vision Stockport is a new Community Interest Company set up to seek out and encourage initiatives
and projects that influence and supportpositive change and improve the town centre for all.
Two projects are already underway: Tony Jones, Managing Director of Orbit Developments, is
leading a team to establish Stockport as a Business Improvement District (BID) that, through a
business rates levy, will generate funds to deliver new initiatives; Tony Millar is driving ‘Digital
Stockport’ – seeking out innovative use of technology for greater engagement and connectivity.
So if you have an idea, want to take on a project or simply offer support to the team, visit
www.visionstockport.org or email helen@visionstockport.co.uk
Helen White – Stockport Express Business News
Issue date: 29 th April 2015