Council leaders supporting Bury businesses to flourish

Local leaders have been visiting Bury businesses to understand how they are recovering from the pandemic and hear about their plans for the future.

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, and Cllr Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and the economy, began the day by visiting Greaves in Ramsbottom, which started in the 1920s and is now a national leader in creating bespoke mixing machinery and solutions for clients across the UK.

The councillors and business owners discussed the latest improvement plans for Ramsbottom town centre and how best to engage with businesses of all kinds, and the support available to support them as they grow and become greener.

The next visit was to Wallwork, a Bury company which specialises in heat treatment solutions and has sites across the UK.

Councillors heard how the company has recovered from Covid and is now looking to expand, and how the council can support this expansion such as identifying suitable buildings for their work.

Discussions also took place about how local colleges can help to provide skilled and trained workers and, through management training courses, foster the next generation of managers.

The company has already made changes to some of its vehicles to improve their carbon footprint and discussed with the councillors what support there is to make future green changes.

The day ended with a visit to Radcliffe-based business LA Fabrications, which produces bespoke steel and fabrications.

The town’s multi-million-pound regeneration plans were discussed, which should benefit companies and the local economy in Radcliffe. Another topic raised was the need for more local practical training for apprentices in order to support recruitment and encourage more young people to enter the workforce via a practical apprenticeship.

Wednesday’s Bury Works Employment and Skills Fair is the kind of initiative that would help match employers with prospective job seekers.

Cllr O’Brien said: “It was great to be able to visit all these local businesses and gain a better understanding of what they need from the council and how we can offer support. We look forward to updating them on our plans and how we can work together to make sure that businesses and residents find Bury an excellent place in which to live and work.”

Cllr Morris added: “Speaking with local businesses always provides us with a great insight into the current challenges and opportunities in Bury.

“We are always here to offer support when businesses want to grow, and we want to make sure that all local businesses, regardless of industry type, know they can speak to the council and get the support and advice they need.”