Enterprising Future For Macclesfield

Macclesfield MP, David Rutley met Mr Nick Bianchi at Arighi Bianchi to discuss how small and medium sized enterprises in the Macclesfield area can benefit from working with Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington.

Recently created, Enterprise Cheshire & Warrington, has been formed as part of the transition away from the Cheshire & Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). David Rutley and Nick Bianchi were joined at their meeting by Mr Philip Cox, Chief Executive of the new organisation, who set out its future vision and explained how it will provide support for local businesses.

The transition follows the announcement by the Government in August 2023, that LEP functions would become the responsibility of local authorities by April 2024. Mr Cox confirmed that a decision had been made by the three local authorities in the sub-region: Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Warrington to fully own Enterprise Cheshire & Warrington.

David was pleased to hear that partnership working with businesses in the local area will continue to be a clear priority. The meeting took place at Arighi Bianchi, where Company Director, Mr Nick Bianchi, participated to better understand how small and medium sized enterprises will benefit from the newly formed organisation.

Mr Cox set out that as part of the future plans, a new Advisory Board will be formed, made up of 20 people from a variety of sectors, with recruitment starting in the near future. The key aims of the new board will be to make Cheshire and Warrington a better place to live, work and visit. This will be accomplished through targeted business engagement, outlining a clear economic strategy, marketing and support for businesses. 

More information on the future ambitions of Enterprise Cheshire & Warrington can be found using the following link: 

https://cheshireandwarrington.com/

Speaking after the meeting, David said:

“The Cheshire and Warrington LEP provided much-valued support for businesses in Macclesfield and I am pleased to see that newly formed Enterprise Cheshire & Warrington will be continuing this. I look forward to working alongside Mr Cox and local businesses on key priorities over the months ahead.”

Pictured - Philip Cox, Nick Bianchi and David Rutley MP.