Rossendale Borough Council’s Invest in Rossendale event brought together local businesses, alongside community leaders and partners, for a morning of networking, shared ideas and discussions about the borough’s future.
Held on Friday 9th October, the event showcased investment taking place across Rossendale and gave local businesses an opportunity to explore how they can help shape future growth.
Attendees heard updates on the Borough’s Pride in Place programme, which is progressing projects in Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and Crawshawbooth. They also learned about the Make Your Move £10,000 business activation programme, designed to support innovative business ideas, encourage town centre activity and bring vacant commercial spaces back into use. The programme has already received around 30 expressions of interest, with businesses now progressing to full applications.
Designer and placemaker Wayne Hemingway delivered the keynote address, sharing how local identity, creativity and collaboration can help places attract people, businesses and investment. His message reflected Rossendale’s strengths, from its heritage and landscape to its independent businesses and creative communities.
Interactive sessions invited attendees to share what Rossendale should be known for, identify its biggest opportunities and suggest priorities for the years ahead. A panel of business, community and council representatives, including James Wrigley of Pioneer Market Group, the new operator of Rawtenstall Market, explored local success stories and opportunities for further investment.
The event also provided valuable time for businesses and partners to make connections, exchange experiences and discuss opportunities to work together.
“Invest in Rossendale brings together people who have a real stake in the future of our area and gives us an opportunity to look beyond the immediate challenges we face and think about what comes next.”
“There is already significant investment taking place across our communities, and there is real ambition among our businesses and partners. Today’s event was about connecting those things and making the most of the opportunities ahead.”
Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of Rossendale Borough Council
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed. The ideas and feedback gathered will help inform future work and investment as we continue working with businesses, communities and partners to build a thriving Rossendale.
