Macclesfield for Business

Above: left to right, Erik Bogentoft (Chief Finance Officer of Astra Zeneca Macclesfield), Tim Shercliff (Chair of Enterprising Macclesfield), Sue Bowden (Chief Executive, Macclesfield Chamber of Commerce) and David Rutley, MP

Two leading Macclesfield business groups have come together in support of ambitious plans to revitalise the town centre.

Enterprising Macclesfield, in conjunction with Macclesfield Chamber of Commerce, between them representing 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.

Local  MP David Rutley attended the meeting 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.

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.”