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Accessible, diverse and welcoming, Stockport stretches from the borders of the Peak District and Cheshire plains to cosmopolitan Manchester. Stockport is a place of contrasts, and offers a sense of balance and variety that is virtually unique. It is a friendly, successful and fascinating place to live - and do business. Offering an exceptional workforce, prime location, wonderful countryside, excellent education and health facilities, the quality of life is sought after by many. Stockport is fast becoming one of the most desirable places to live and work.

• At the heart of South Manchester
• A strong identity and entrepreneurial spirit
• Major development programmes
• Excellent access to regional, national and international markets
• A robust and flourishing economy
• Excellent quality of living

Businesses in Stockport have consistently prospered and grown in recent years thanks to the town's highly skilled workforce and unrivalled strategic location in the North West. The business environment has proven to be increasingly attractive for a range of employers across several sectors.

Key employers include:

• BAE Systems
• Co-Operative Bank
• Adidas
• PZ Cussons
• BASF

Stockport provides the ideal environment for businesses looking for attractive opportunities, established support and the raw talent to make their company a success. Stockport Council and its partners have overseen the creation of 1,200 new jobs and safeguarded a further 1,000 in the past 18 months alone.

Stockport also benefits from an entrepreneurial economy, hosting enterprises of all sizes and from a wide range of sectors.
VAT registrations per 10,000 and self employment in Stockport are amongst the highest levels in Greater Manchester and higher than the national average. Business survival rates are high, and staff costs fall below regional and national levels. An established range of business support and networking groups are also available.

In short, the strength of Stockport's economy and range of benefits associated with the area have helped to make it increasingly favourable for businesses and entrepreneurs alike.

Key facts:

• In 2003 Stockport had the 4th Highest GVA per Capita in the Greater Manchester region (GMFM, Spring 2006, reference forecast)
• Stockport has the joint lowest unemployment rate in the Greater Manchester area at 1.7% (ONS 2007)
• Stockport has 11,533 registered business units employing 118,633 employees (AB1 2005)
• Stockport is home to a total population of 280,600 with 60.9% of working age (ONS Mid Year Population Estimates, 2006)
• Stockport has 83.5% of its workforce economically active in comparison to 76.7% in the North.

For information about business services in Stockport Libraries visit our website

For information about doing business in Stockport contact: www.stockport.gov.uk