The Leader's blog

Achieving our goals to help improve the lives of people and businesses in Trafford

 
Creating successful and thriving places is one of our corporate priorities and that is why I was happy to officially open the University Academy 92 (UA92) in Stretford, next to the cricket ground, which has welcomed students for the first time.

For those of you who don’t know, the driving force behind the new education establishment are the former Manchester United footballers led by Gary Neville who have worked closely with the Council to get this initiative up and running.

Part of creating thriving communities is having successful local businesses and we are continually looking at ways we can help companies succeed here in Trafford.

One way is doing our best to make sure the money we spend as a council is spent within the borough, provided it makes financial sense. That is why I was pleased to see millions of pounds worth of council contracts secured for Trafford-based companies in the last financial year.

This was done through a process called STAR Procurement which sources and manages suppliers on our behalf, as well as Rochdale, Tameside and Stockport Councils. It helped deliver council contracts valuing £87m for Trafford businesses which is good news for everyone in the borough.

Summer seems a long time ago but it was one to remember for Trafford as the borough cemented its position as one of the country’s best places to stage international sporting events.

The Cricket World Cup, Ashes Test Match and the prestigious Tour of Britain cycling event - the final stage of which started in Altrincham - showcased the best of the borough to a world-wide television audience and brought in thousands of visitors. And we can expect more of the same when the Rugby League Grand Final comes to Old Trafford in October.

Climate change and its dangers are rightly making news headlines at the moment and, as Green City-Region Lead for Greater Manchester Combined Authority, I am committed to making sure we are carbon neutral by 2038. One way of doing this is through the increased uptake of local renewable generation. That’s why I welcome the launch of a pilot across Greater Manchester to see if we can increase the amount of residents using solar panels through a collective purchasing scheme. I am sure you will agree that doing nothing about climate change is not option.  

Thanks, Andrew.