MANCHESTER needs to continue investing in new infrastructure, improve its transport and connect with its outlying communities to keep its unrivalled status as Britain's second city.
This was the message from business leaders at the M.E.N. Business Forum which took place yesterday and was sponsored by Beachcroft and the Manchester Law Society.
The panel of experts from the fields of law, industry, accountancy and the public sector agreed that Manchester has beaten its rival Birmingham hands down to claim the title of the UK's second city and now looks to European capitals such as Barcelona as its peer.
But they said the city could not afford to rest on its laurels.
The panel also embraced the idea of an elected mayor for the Greater Manchester region.
While they recognised that it would be like turning the clock back 10 years to the days of Greater Manchester Council, they believed it would help stop the in-fighting between local authorities on proposals like the congestion charge.
They also said it would create a powerful force for the region.
Check back for more covergae from the debate.
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Business leaders call for investment
October 15, 2008
M.E.N Business Forum
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Simon B, No Taxation without Representation (15/10/2008 at 07:55)
"The panel also embraced the idea of an elected mayor for the Greater Manchester region.
While they recognised that it would be like turning the clock back 10 years to the days of Greater Manchester Council, they believed it would help stop the in-fighting between local authorities on proposals like the congestion charge.
They also said it would create a powerful force for the region."
what makes you think for one second a pro CONcharge Mayor could get elected ?
My view of the M.E.N Business Forum.
Its just another AGMA made up group to push the "Yes" vote for the CONcharge.
Jay B, oldham (15/10/2008 at 09:31)
ok thats fine. but we didnt get here without hard work and attracting more and more businesses to the area.
but this all happened due to businesses choosing to either locate or relocate as london is too expensive to base their business.
maybe because the con charge down there costs them more money.
so if we accept the con charge then we wont be as attractive anymore due to the extra costs.
so then that leaves our rivials like liverpool, leeds and birmingham to attract these businesses. these citys threw out the ideas of con charges as they saw them for what they where!
so then we'll struggle keep its unrivalled status as Britain's second city and loose out.
oh but you'll be able to catch a bus though! whoopie do!
Simon B, No Taxation without Representation (15/10/2008 at 10:55)
We want names and companys of the people we are looking at.
£2530 to drive to work? I'd be better on the DOLE!!! - Paul Teeque (15/10/2008 at 21:31)
www.stockportexpress.co.uk/news/s/1072552_congestion_survey_gets_green_light