Eddie Smith to talk strategy

MANCHESTER City Council’s director of strategic development Eddie Smith will be answering questions on the future direction of the city at a business breakfast later this month.

Greater Manchester has just signed a deal with Government for more powers in return for agreeing to an elected mayor from 2017.

Hosted by law firm Slater Heelis, attendees have been invited to submit their questions ahead of the event.

Managing partner Anne Irwin said: “This is a momentous time for Manchester, not only in the amount of development either under way or in the pipeline but in new forms of governance for the region.

“We know information is crucial to how businesses and individuals can prosper and we wanted to set up a series of conversations with key people to open up a dialogue. We are delighted that Eddie, with his experience of regeneration at New East Manchester and his current role with the city council, has agreed to take part.

“We want this to be an open, two way discussion with the audience setting the agenda by the questions they want to ask.”

Mr Smith said: “It is important that the city interacts with businesses and professionals to find out their concerns and aspirations and how we can do things better. I’m sure there will some interesting questions on the day and I’ll do my best to answer them as fully as possible.”

The event is on Thursday November 20 at The Castlefield Rooms, Castlefield from 7.30am-9am. Go to www.slaterheelis.co.uk for more information.