Specialist lender Together hosted an event with Gary Neville (pictured, left) at St Michael’s in Manchester, focusing on the city’s redevelopment and business growth.
Around 200 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners, entrepreneurs and property investors attended the corporate finance reception at Chotto Matte.
Chris Baguley (pictured, right), managing director of corporate lending at Together, said Manchester’s skyline had changed thanks to private investment, boosting the city centre and jobs.
Baguley said: “£2.6bn of the £3bn that Together provided in terms of lending over the last financial year supported commercial clients, with a significant of that figure supporting businesses in Manchester and Stockport.
“Our commitment to powering progress across the region is undeniable and it’s the vision of entrepreneurs like Gary and many of you gathered here that can help bring prosperity to cities across the UK.”
Neville said: “Running a business in the UK has never been tougher. The rising costs of products, utilities, and rents are putting real pressure on companies of all sizes.
“I’ve seen first-hand how much harder it’s become to grow and employ people.
“That’s why having the right finance in place at the start is important and a relationship with a finance partner that understands your vision.”
Baguley added: “The North has shown remarkable resilience and ambition over the past decade, with its cities, particularly Manchester, driving some of the fastest economic growth in the country.
“But to sustain that momentum, we need renewed commitment to investment and infrastructure that matches the scale of our ambition.
“Private and public sectors must work in tandem to ensure investment flows into the projects that will genuinely transform communities and attract long-term growth.
“The North has the talent, the vision and the appetite, now it’s about giving it the tools to reach its full potential.”
Figures from Manchester property and business including Adam Heaton, Adam Higgins, Ollie Casson and Stephen Ashworth attended the event.
On the night, Baguley presented Neville with his induction into the Premier League Hall of Fame.
Jon K Bell, clinical director at The Christie Charity, received a £10,000 donation from Together’s CEO of sales and distribution, Marc Goldberg, following nominations from guests.
