AGMA Executive approve changes to Manchester Family

The AGMA Executive this morning approved a proposal, authored by Sir Howard Bernstein and Barbara Spicer, to restructure the Manchester family of organisations that support the economic development and promotion of Greater Manchester.

The recommendations, which were in response to a request by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA), for a review of the activity of the family in light of the reductions in public funding and changing governance structures, will take effect on 1 April 2011.

It sees a streamline of operations, a reduction in costs and a simplified governance of the family organisations, which comprise: Manchester Solutions, Marketing Manchester, MIDAS and New Economy.

Going forward, they will cover three specific areas of expertise, supporting the Local Enterprise Partnership and Combined Authority in the areas of:

• Research, strategy and evaluation, including employment and skills - to be led by New Economy
• Business growth, trade and inward investment - to be led by Manchester Solutions with MIDAS
• Marketing, communications and tourism - to be led by Marketing Manchester

In addition to her role as chief executive of MIDAS, Angie Robinson will also take on the responsibilities of a chief operating officer, working with her fellow chief executives to ensure cohesion and maximise efficiencies. This is a critical requirement and will enable the organisations to deliver more effectively without the need for an additional appointment.

The delivery of the resulting restructure is likely to involve a significant reduction in the number of people employed across the family of around 85 - approximately 35%. Affected employees are currently in a period of consultation.

Angie Robinson said: "This review has been very timely and we are grateful to our AGMA colleagues for their support and guidance in taking it forwards. As we all seek to realign our focus directly in support of the delivery of the Greater Manchester Strategy, it is only right that form follows function, and we have endeavoured to put the most robust structures in place in order to drive forwards those strategic priorities we are collectively responsible for."

Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester added: "Whilst there are significant challenges that lie ahead, we believe that it is essential to capitalise on the legacy of the regional funding structures and ensure that we are in prime position to take advantages of opportunities that arise as we move forwards."

Lord Peter Smith, chairman of AGMA, said: "The family of agencies were challenged with budget cuts of £3.2m in the 2011-12 financial year. Coupled with the creation of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership, it was necessary to re-align the work of the Family to ensure that maximum outputs could be achieved. The new structure and ways of working will better support each of Greater Manchester's local authority areas and will continue to focus on driving economic growth."

To view a copy of the proposal, visit: www.agma.gov.uk

ENDS