Rhys Owen, Leasing Director, Orbit Developments, discusses the buzz around Stockport town centre since its large scale investment.

The past month seems to have been a real celebration of how far Stockport has come in the last few years.

My recent meetings and conversations with companies currently based in London and South Cheshire looking for property in the town centre, have illustrated that the new leisure schemes in Stockport have delivered the much-needed facilities employees and businesses were craving.

Even negative novelty awards have done nothing to dampen the positive spirit of businesses in the town centre!

My role within Orbit enables me to speak honestly to current and prospective customers about everything that has changed within Stockport and I find positive word of mouth marketing is often more powerful and candid than anything else.

As an ambassador for Stockport, I see it as my responsibility to promote the positive changes to any new office occupiers in the town centre.

Armed with the right tools at our disposal however, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure Stockport is seen in the right light to drive further changes.

Naturally, property plays a key part in the success of a commercial town centre and we are always talking with and listening to the needs of businesses in the area.

We’ve been very encouraged to see businesses consistently looking at and choosing Stockport over locations like Manchester city centre.

They are now even more aware of the noise this major town just one train stop from Manchester, is making. Awareness is increasing; perceptions are changing.

In honour of the progress made to date, Stockport BID are planning a new Art Trail for 2019 with giant frogs being placed around the town centre.

So, Manchester might be famous for its association with the mighty bee but the buzz is happening in Stockport. Watch this space as our town takes a giant leap into an exciting future.