Oldham's new Ambassador for Business, Frank Rothwell, has got straight to work meeting businesses across the borough.
Frank, owner and founder of Manchester Cabins, has taken up the role to provide an expert voice and help steer the council's approach to supporting and growing local businesses.
He has visited nine local businesses to introduce himself as Ambassador for Business and get a better understanding of the business community across many sectors in Oldham.
He caught up with: DGSN UK; Ultimate Products; Positive Steps; Koderly; the Jordon Group; the Featherstall Road Business Association; Crane Payment Innovations; Swans Travel and Chadderton Motor Co.
Frank Rothwell with Kieran Swindells, MD of Swans Travel
Frank said: “It was brilliant to meet so many fantastic businesses right here on our doorstep, get to know their strengths and challenges, and how I can work with the council to support them.
“It was brilliant to see there’s so much talent and ambition in Oldham and I look forward to meeting many more businesses over the coming weeks and months.”
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader for Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for Economic and Social Reform, said: “Frank is an ambassador for Oldham in every sense of the word – we are hugely proud to call him an Oldhamer.
“He has vast experience in business and has also completed many personal challenges that stand him in good stead for helping Oldham and our business community to have a brighter future.
“I will ensure we take all the feedback on board so that we can continue working alongside Frank to help your businesses to grow and evolve.”
Frank with Leanne Holmes from Crane Payment Innovations
Frank launched Manchester Cabins business in 1979, aged 28, from his home in Royton. It now employs more than 50 staff and has an annual turnover of £20m.
He recently retired, with the family business now being successfully managed by his son Luke and daughter Su.
In addition to being Ambassador for Business, Frank was also given the Freedom of the Borough last year in honour of his incredible fundraising efforts for charity.
These include being the oldest man to row unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean. The 3,000-mile challenge took two months to complete and raised over £1 million for Alzheimer's Research UK. He also supports many local charities including Action Together and Mahdlo Youth Zone.
One of Frank’s first official functions as Ambassador for Business will see him host a Business Breakfast with Oldham Council Leader Arooj Shah and Chief Executive Harry Catherall.
The event will take place at Mahdlo on 7 April 2022, with more details to follow in the coming weeks.
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