| Local Development & Regeneration

Stockport 
The business destination of Manchester 
Boasting a strong and entrepreneurial local economy with a high rate of VAT registrations, a low level of unemployment and high economic activity, Stockport provides the ideal 
environment for business success. 

S
tockport stretches from the borders of the Peak District and Cheshire plains to cosmopolitan Manchester. It is a friendly and fascinating place to live and do business. 
Offering access to regional, national and international transport networks Ð including a regular train service running to London and close proximity to Manchester Airport Ð basing a business in Stockport means it is easy to serve clients in the UK and abroad. 
Aside from its excellent transport connections, one of the most appealing reasons for doing business in Stockport is that commercial property prices are extremely competitive in comparison to the centre of Manchester. There is a wide choice of accommodation from specialist start-up units to large design and build projects that mean any demand can be met at a reasonable cost. To help businesses relocating to Stockport, the Council has a range of support services to assist the transition. 
A young, highly skilled workforce has helped to establish Stockport as a leading business location with a reputation for higher than regional and national average skill levels.  With almost one third of the workforce qualified to degree level or equivalent, Stockport has the resources to meet the skill requirements for a wide range of companies in a number of different sectors.     
Existing major employers include NXP Semiconductors, Lex, BAE Systems, Co-op Bank, LBM, United Biscuits, AA, Thales Naval UK and many more. An established range of business support and networking groups are also available in Stockport to enable those investing in the area to maximise local business opportunities. 
The strength of StockportÕs economy, the prime location and the quality of life means that Stockport is increasingly becoming a desirable place to both live and work. Making sure Stockport stays on track, the CouncilÕs ÔEconomic Development StrategyÕ exists to ensure that the whole community of Stockport can share in the areaÕs economic success. 


The changing face of Stockport 
As the regeneration of Stockport continues to gather pace several flagship projects are emerging as key landmarks for the Stockport of the future: