Expanding local business says its next big investment will be in the young people of Rochdale

A utility company which has been flying high since relocating to Rochdale 18 months ago played host to Rochdale Council’s Leader and Chief Executive who popped in to find out why they think the borough is a great place to do business.

As a utility infrastructure provider, Multi Utility UK gets involved in everything from laying gas and electricity mains to fitting solar panels, street lights and wind turbines.

Managing Director Alistair Cameron told Council Leader Colin Lambert and Chief Executive Jim Taylor that since joining more than 40 other businesses which have made a home on Stakehill Industrial Estate, they’ve gone from strength to strength. And now they’re gearing up to train the next generation of apprentices in their new training school.

The company is working with Hopwood Hall College to deliver electrical jointing training so they can give young people vital skills and ensure they have a steady flow of new workers to help them grow.

Around eight young people will take part in each three week course with the company looking to offer jobs at the end of it where they can. Older workers who want to retrain will also be recruited for the course from companies like Electricity North West and Scottish Power.

It’s another success story for Stakehill, which over the last 18 months has benefitted from £100m of council investment and filled more than 650,000 square feet of vacant space.

Alistair Cameron said: “We’re really at home here in Rochdale. We’re well placed at the heart of the motorway network and many of our suppliers are also based here.

“Multi Utility UK is a growing business so we need to ensure we have enough skilled workers to help us make the most of these opportunities. We’re pleased to invest in the many talented young people in Rochdale borough and are looking forward to setting them on the path to a great career.”

Council Leader Colin Lambert said: “It was great to meet Alistair and his team and see first-hand how a successful local business operates. The partnership between Multi Utility and Hopwood Hall is a fantastic scheme which I’m sure will grow. Our goal is for the Rochdale to be the place to do business in the North West and with thriving organisations like this one we’re well on the way to achieving this.”