Business leaders convene in Rochdale to address local challenges

Senior business leaders, brought together by Business in the Community (BITC), visited Rochdale to explore how businesses can turbocharge the borough’s future growth. The visit enabled business leaders to understand some of the challenges facing those living and working in the borough, including a lack of opportunity for young people, food insecurity, and inequalities. It also discussed the importance of a Just Transition to a low-carbon future that benefits everyone. 

The visit to Rochdale comes as data shows that one in eight (12%) residents of Rochdale are experiencing food insecurity.^[2] In addition, the unemployment rate in Rochdale sits at 4.8%, slightly higher than the regional (3.8%) and national (3.7%) rates,^[3] with youth unemployment (aged 16-24) sitting at 16.9% (12.9% in the North West and 10.7% in the UK).^[4] Furthermore, one in five Rochdale residents report a disability, compared to 17.7% in England.^[5] 

Led by Louise Beardmore, Chief Executive of United Utilities, the visit is part of BITC’s The King’s Seeing is Believing programme. It was attended by business leaders from organisations including United Utilities, Sodexo, Siemens, Rochdale Development Agency, Willmott Dixon, and DWF. 

The visit enabled business leaders to understand the economic and regeneration opportunities available in and coming to Rochdale and the need for immediate action so that communities are not left behind. During the visit, business leaders heard from community organisations, including:  

• Fire Up: representatives from Rochdale Development Agency and National Flood Forum spoke about important initiatives in Rochdale, including: 

o   Atom Valley and Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre, bringing advanced manufacturing, green tech, and skills development opportunities to the borough to create high-quality jobs. 

o   Regeneration of the town centre and train station, modernising Rochdale, boosting investment potential, and providing a more attractive environment for employees, customers, and partners. 

o   Resilient Rochdale, ensuring growth of the borough is inclusive and sustainable, and that communities are well-equipped to adapt to the impacts of climate change. 

• Rochdale Foodbank: business leaders heard about the importance of confronting structural inequality in Rochdale and the role of foodbanks in supporting local people with the rising cost of living and supporting them through periods of financial instability. 
• Hollingworth Academy: a school committed to addressing the opportunity gap for its young people by supporting students through targeted career interventions and real-world employer engagement. Business leaders had the opportunity to hear from students about their future ambitions and the positive impact of the career-related activities on offer. 

Louise Beardmore, Chief Executive of United Utilities, said:   

“As one of the largest employers in the North West, it’s vital for our organisation to work with local people and communities to unlock future potential, drive social mobility, and boost economic growth for a stronger, greener, and healthier North West. Rochdale has been on a huge transformation journey and it’s a town that is full of potential and one that cares about its environment and its people. Today’s visit has enabled business leaders to see the impact they can make when working in collaboration with other businesses, local government, and community organisations. By working together, we can make a difference and achieve positive change at pace and scale.” 

Sue Husband, Community Impact Director at Business in the Community, said:    

“For too long, Rochdale has been left behind, but today’s visit highlighted the borough’s willingness and readiness to position itself at the forefront of innovation, regeneration, and resilience. Cross-sector collaboration between businesses, community organisations, and local government will help Rochdale to achieve its full potential. It was eye-opening to hear about the initiatives already running in Rochdale, helping to regenerate the borough and support its people to develop skills for the future.”