Manchester is the blueprint for national redevelopment
Specialist lender Together and respected business entrepreneur Gary Neville joined forces to celebrate the success of Greater Manchester’s robust business and property community at an exclusive event held at St Michael’s, the landmark mixed-use development from Neville’s Relentless Group, where parties called for greater government backing to fuel further regional growth across the UK.
Two hundred SME business owners, entrepreneurs, and property investors gathered in the illustrious Chotto Matte for Together’s Corporate Finance reception to hear insights from footballing legend and successful property investor, Gary Neville and informally discuss initiatives needed to provide support for businesses in the upcoming budget.
Noting how Manchester’s skyline has transformed over recent decades on the back of private investment delivering a resurgence of the city centre which has in hand, prompted employment by two and a half times the annual growth rate, managing director of Corporate Lending Chris Baguley commented on how property builds prosperity across communities. Detailing how specialist lenders, are key to supporting businesses, such as St Michael’s, Chris said, “£2.6bn of the £3bn that Together provided in terms of lending over the last financial year supported commercial clients, with a significant of that figure supporting businesses in Manchester and Stockport.”
“Our commitment to powering progress across the region is undeniable and it’s the vision of entrepreneurs like Gary and many of you gathered here that can help bring prosperity to cities across the UK.”
Acknowledging the challenges faced by SMEs and investors in securing the finance required to realise projects Gary said, “Running a business in the UK has never been tougher. The rising costs of products, utilities, and rents are putting real pressure on companies of all sizes.”
Touching on obstacles faced in the last budget Gary said, “I’ve seen first-hand how much harder it’s become to grow and employ people. “That’s why having the right finance in place at the start is important and a relationship with a finance partner that understands your vision.”
Chris Baguley pressed further commenting on Manchester’s impressive and fast-paced growth, calling for a commitment in funds and infrastructure to see it continue. “The North has shown remarkable resilience and ambition over the past decade, with its cities, particularly Manchester, driving some of the fastest economic growth in the country.
“But to sustain that momentum, we need renewed commitment to investment and infrastructure that matches the scale of our ambition. Private and public sectors must work in tandem to ensure investment flows into the projects that will genuinely transform communities and attract long-term growth. The North has the talent, the vision and the appetite, now it’s about giving it the tools to reach its full potential.”
Attendees included leading figures from the Manchester property and business sectors, such as Adam Heaton, Heaton Group, Adam Higgins, Capital and Centric, Ollie Casson, Landwood Group and Stephen Ashworth, Hurstwood Holdings as well as other pioneers driving the region forward.
On the night, Chris Baguley presented Gary with his induction into the Premier League Hall of Fame, recognising his ambition both on and off the pitch. In addition, Jon K Bell, clinical director of The Christie Charity was presented with a £10,000 donation by Together’s CEO of sales and distribution, Marc Goldberg following nominations from attending guests.