Press release —
Celebrating ten years of partnership helping deliver Bury's ambitions
Bury's progress is built on partnership. As a borough delivering regeneration at pace across six distinct towns, long-term success depends on businesses, public services and local leaders working together to create places where people want to live, work and spend time.
For the last ten years, the Bury Business Leadership Group (BBLG) has been part of that shared effort, bringing together business leaders, partners and the council to shape opportunities for residents, support economic growth and help ensure investment remains connected to the needs of local communities.
Business leaders, partners and council representatives gathered at the Red Hall Hotel last month to celebrate the group's 10th anniversary and reflected on a decade of collaboration that has helped turn ambition into real change across the borough.
The Bury Business Leadership Group (BBLG) was set up in 2016 to provide a voice for local businesses and help shape economic growth across the borough.
The original membership of the group was carefully brought together to include both organisations that were supportive of the council and those that had challenged it. This was a deliberate approach, creating a space for open, honest and constructive discussion that could help shape council strategies and ensure the views of the business community were heard.
Since then, the group has grown to 23 members, bringing together businesses from across Bury alongside key partners from Greater Manchester. Together, they work closely with the council to support business growth, influence economic and skills priorities, and champion opportunities for local residents. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the group played a vital role in supporting businesses, sharing important information and helping organisations navigate an extremely challenging period.
The event also reflected on the significant progress made across the borough in recent years. Improvements in services for children and young people, enhanced support for care leavers, developments in adult social care, and major regeneration projects in Radcliffe, Prestwich and Bury town centre are all helping to create new opportunities for residents and businesses.
Guests also heard about future plans for the borough, including the Atom Valley Northern Gateway development. These projects will bring new investment, more jobs and opportunities for enterprise, supporting the council's ambition to achieve economic growth above the national average while tackling inequalities and poverty.
Dr Andrew Roberts, chair of the Bury Business Leadership Group and Managing Director of Avoira, said: "This anniversary is a chance to celebrate the commitment of our members, both past and present. The group has helped strengthen relationships between businesses and the council and has played an important role in Bury's success. We look forward to supporting the borough's next chapter of growth."
Lynne Ridsdale, Chief Executive of Bury Council, said: "The Business Leadership Group has been a valued partner over the last 10 years. Its members have provided support, challenge and expertise, helping us shape our ambitions for Bury and deliver real change for our communities. We have achieved a great deal together and I am excited about the opportunities ahead.”
Topics
Categories
Regions
Find us on: Facebook.com/burycouncil, Flickr.com/buryphotos. @burycouncil and bury.gov.uk
