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Wednesday, Mar 11

13

Major construction skills initiative launches in Greater Manchester

Industry leaders, employers and educators marked the official launch of the North-West Construction Technical Excellence College in Wigan.

12

Life Leisure marks International Women’s Day with Merseyway flashmob

The spontaneous performance saw over 80 customers, staff, and instructors come together in a coordinated dance to launch Life Leisure's Power to Glow campaign.

Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund pledges over £30,000 to local causes

In its first funding award of 2026, Manchester Airport's Community Trust Fund has pledged grants to 20 charities and community projects, including nine in Stockport.

11

Expert Opinion: Is technical debt slowing your business growth?

Amshire IT's Dave Taylor explains how holding back on upgrades for IT systems and software could be costing your business growth and productivity.

Tuesday, Mar 10

14

Sick pay changes expected to have biggest impact in North West of Employments Rights Act changes, Acas survey finds

North West employers ranked protections against unfair dismissals second, followed by day one paternity leave. For employees, changes to flexible working ranked second, and increased protections against unfair dismissals third.

13

Motor trade has busiest February for new cars in over 20 years

The strong sales data comes despite February typically being a slower time of year for the sector as purchases of new cars are often delayed for the March numberplate change.

12

New V Level qualifications announced as part of reforms to post-16 education

The new qualification will be equivalent to an A Level, with learning designed around the skills needed by employers. The first qualifications in education, finance and digital launch in 2027.

11

Stockport Council marks Young Carers Action Day 2026

This year’s campaign calls for better awareness, understanding and long?term support to give young carers the bright future they deserve.

Monday, Mar 9

13

John Lewis invests in AI powered shopping

Under plans, John Lewis products will be served to customers looking for inspiration on AI platforms such as Google Gemini and ChatGPT.

12

Stockport hotel and events venue sold for undisclosed sum

Corner Stone MCR Property Group have acquired the Alma Lodge Hotel following a confidential sales process.

Greek Street reopening marks major leap towards Stockport Metrolink connection

The project has future?proofed the bridge for potential tram-train options, and supports plans to bring Metrolink into Stockport town centre.

Extra care development completes at Woodford Garden Village

Vistry has handed over the 104-home scheme to not-for-profit provider of housing and care for people in later life, Anchor.

11

Manchester Airport marks International Women’s Day with women in aviation panel

Five women in various roles across the industry spoke to an audience of young people about careers in the sector as part of a one-off special episode of Manchester Airport’s official podcast.

Friday, Mar 6

12

Final chance for Stockport businesses to have say on Transport Strategy

The consultation on the Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2050 closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 9th March.

Stockport takes part in GM Live Well Spring Festival

As part of the festival, residents can get involved in a range of activities, including a Picnic in the Park run by Pure Innovations, with fresh air, fun and wellbeing stalls.

Six-figure support to transform historic Great Underbank building

Spearheaded by Kelsall Architects, and backed by VM Finance, Stockport Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project will redevelop former unused space situated within a conservation area.

Highway improvements announced for Poynton Shared Space

After more than a decade of use, maintenance to keep the space safe, easy to navigate and working as intended will begin on 16th March for 12 weeks.

11

Life Leisure launches International Women’s Day-inspired ‘The Power to Glow’ campaign

The campaign is all about empowering women and girls to feel strong, confident, and proud to be active.

Thursday, Mar 5

14

musicMagpie shortlisted for three awards at industry-leading ceremony

The business' partnership with Timpson has been shortlisted for ‘Trade-in and Retail Programme of the Year’. musicMagpie has also been nominated for the ‘Online Retailer’ and ‘Secondary Market Provider’ gongs.

12

MAG UK Trade Barometer sees exporters pivot away from US

Manufacturers' order books increasingly featured China, Japan, Australia and EU nations through 2025, the survey of 2000 businesses showed.

TfGM to begin £150 milllion programme of work across Metrolink network

Work to maintain, upgrade, and improve existing tram infrastructure comes ahead of work to expand the tram network to unserved parts of the city-region, such as Stockport.

Stockport technology firm secures £1.8 million contract in Kenya

Backed by UK Export Finance, AI infrastructure specialist, Vespertec, has secured a £1.8 million export contract with Kenyan cloud services firm, Atlancis.

Stockport County Community Trust secures backing to continue Disability Football Programme

Support from Contact Originators will enable the Trust to cover venue costs for the next 12 months for its junior pan-disability County Comets sessions, and County Stars programme for over 16s.

Wednesday, Mar 4

13

Small Business Commissioner launches new webinar series

The Get Money Moving webinar series will explore how business leaders are implementing fair payment practices, and moves to build a positive payment culture across the UK.

12

North West sees boom in Gen Z entrepreneurs

In the last 12 months, Gen Z founders in the North West secured more than £2.75 million in funding from the Start Up Loans programme, up 33% on the previous year.

Success for first cohort of One Stockport Health and Social Care Career Academy students

Results highlight the powerful impact of joint working between Stockport College, the Council, and local employers in building a resilient workforce for the future.

11

Greater Manchester businesses invited to join China trade mission

The five?day visit from 15th to 19th June is designed to support Greater Manchester firms seeking to strengthen their international competitiveness and develop long?term commercial relationships.

Expert Opinion: Managing disciplinary procedures

The Hallidays HR team shares how using a checklist is vital for giving managers confidence and ensuring no inconsistencies in your business' disciplinary procedures.

Tuesday, Mar 3

13

Greater Manchester makes progress towards 2038 carbon neutral target

Today's Greater Manchester Green Summit will highlight progress across low-emission transport, green spaces, air quality and waste reduction, and launch new tools to help residents access support.

12

Social Osteria to bring a taste of Italy to Weir Mill

The restaurant, from the team behind Poynton's The Social Trattoria, is the first of a line-up of indie operators to be announced for Weir Mill, and will open in Spring in the East Mill