THE MANCHESTER WAY
I recently had the pleasure of participating in a debate about Manchester, its success and the impact it has on the rest of the North West region.Hosted by the excellent Business Insider magazine and its Editor Michael Taylor the discussion is featured in this month’s edition of the mag.
Michael made it clear that I had been invited along to vent my anger on behalf of the rest of the region at Manchester’s arrogance and unfettered ambition.
He was perhaps disappointed when I articulated the view that Manchester should be admired rather than criticised; and that it was up to the rest of the Northwest to learn from and catch up with the UK’s second city.
I offer three simple reasons for Manchester’s emergence as the regions Principle City.
Leadership. Over a period of twenty years or more, the City Council has enjoyed stable and dynamic political leadership. Chief Executive Sir Howard Bernstein has worked in tandem with the authority’s political leadership (firstly Graham Stringer, and then Sir Richard Leece) to deliver Manchester’s vision and priorities. The city has never suffered from the political shenanigans that are common place in Liverpool, where we witnessed the very public fall out of a Council Leader and Chief Executive that led to both of them resigning from office; and more fall outs between senior officials in the run up to the European Capital of Culture year than I care to remember.
Co-ordination. Manchester as a city region operates effectively. I was involved too long in politics to believe that the City Council and all its metropolitan neighbours agree on everything. The political make up of Greater Manchester is very mixed and there will be inevitable differences on a range of issues within AGMA (Association of Greater Manchester Authorities). However, differences and fall outs are, largely, kept private, whilst on the big strategic areas of policy, enhancing the tram system for example; they get 100% sign up and collectively kick down the door of Government departments to get what they want. Compare this to Lancashire, where the city of Preston has to fight off opposition and objections from its county neighbours in Blackpool and Blackburn to win a £700 million investment that would transform its town centre.
Attitude. ‘Can do’ sums up the Manchester way. They set ambitious goals for themselves, and they go for it. They do not suffer the lack of confidence and timidity that leave many other Northwest authorities in a state of paralysis.
Of course, Manchester doesn’t always get it right. Its decision to bid for the super casino against Blackpool was bad form; but it gets it right most of the time. Admire and learn from Manchester. Don’t envy it.
Labels: Liverpool, Manchester, Michael Taylor, North West
