Friday high five – the news this week

At his annual pre-Christmas meet up with the media this week the Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham reflected on everything that had happened since the same gathering last year.

A newly elected Labour government, Oasis about to tour, and Manchester City on a losing streak. It was almost like 1997 all over again, he joked.

It was an amusing warm up line but in truth it feels very different to that period of optimism and social change.

There is a greater sense of the possibilities that regional leadership can truly take charge of the destiny of the cities of Manchester and Liverpool, but the government’s desire to fix the foundations and pursue a growth agenda really hasn’t landed.

Many businesses are downbeat and full of foreboding. The National Insurance rise and the Employment Bill are a major cause of concern.

Further investigations will reveal why the third sector body GMCVO has fallen apart, but it is unlikely to be due to government action.

The Mayor also made the point that there are positive policy developments that should make a difference.

We have featured a few this week, like housebuilding, reform of the railways, action on stalking and harassment, and moves to get people back into work without the meanness. A policy idea born in Greater Manchester.

Overall, as our news this week shows, new ideas permeate all the time, through the toughest of times, businesses have that capacity to embrace change, recalibrate and move on. The bright outlook of local success story AJ Bell should warm us up in the bleak midwinter.

So, with a weather warning on the way, batten down the hatches, wrap up warm and have a great weekend.