More devolution please, says Bloxham

URBAN Splash founder Tom Bloxham has forecast a continued boom in inner city living as devolution gathers pace.

Speaking at an event at Manchester Grammar School to mark its Quincentenary year, Bloxham said the city was “leading the way” in devolution and called for more powers to be handed from Whitehall to the city.

He said: “The more independence we have, the more able we are to deal with issues such as planning. Manchester, like its European counterparts, will continue to attract more people to live here in the city, particularly older, more affluent couples who want everything that a city like Manchester has to offer on its doorstep, but require larger space to live in.”

He gave a potted history of his career, how he began by selling fire extinguishers door-to-door, a job that had taught him the harsh lesson of how to “quickly deal with rejection.”

He then moved on to sell posters and then, realising that the bigger margins were in retailing, subsequently leased space in Affleck’s Parade and sub-let to a number of tenants.

He said his experience had taught him the need to add value in business above all.

“You must find the work that you do challenging and interesting and learn from your mistakes – I have in the past become distracted with other ventures but in hindsight I realise now it is better to focus on one area well.”

MGS High Master, Dr Martin Boulton said: “It is entrepreneurs like Tom who help drive cities forward and can help influence the way we live, work and play – he is an inspiration to all.”

MGS is hosting its Business Class series of special events throughout 2015, inviting leading business professionals to share their stories with the Manchester business community. Future guest will include former Manchester United CEO, David Gill and Michael Morley, CEO of Coutts & Co.

The events mark the School’s formation in 1515 by Hugh Oldham.