The Rossendale Borough Council hosted its 'Invest in Rossendale' event on Friday, 9th October, bringing together local businesses, community leaders, and partners. The morning focused on networking, sharing ideas, and discussing the borough’s future development.
The event highlighted ongoing investment across Rossendale and provided local businesses with a platform to explore their role in shaping future growth. Attendees received updates on the Pride in Place programme, which is advancing projects in Rawtenstall, Waterfoot, and Crawshawbooth.
Information was also shared about the Make Your Move £10,000 business activation programme. This initiative aims to support innovative business ideas, stimulate town centre activity, and bring vacant commercial spaces back into use. The programme has attracted approximately 30 expressions of interest, with businesses now proceeding to full applications.
Keynote speaker Wayne Hemingway, a designer and placemaker, emphasised how local identity, creativity, and collaboration can attract people, businesses, and investment. He noted Rossendale's existing strengths, including its heritage, landscape, independent businesses, and creative communities.
Interactive sessions encouraged attendees to identify Rossendale's key attributes, opportunities, and priorities for the coming years. A panel, featuring representatives from business, community, and the council, including James Wrigley of Pioneer Market Group (the new operator of Rawtenstall Market), discussed local success stories and potential investment avenues.
The event also facilitated valuable networking opportunities, allowing businesses and partners to forge connections, share experiences, and explore collaborative ventures.
“"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."
The council expressed gratitude to all attendees and contributors, stating that the gathered ideas and feedback will inform future work and investment strategies aimed at fostering a thriving Rossendale.
