Manchester has never been better – Oglesby
THE Manchester economy has never had it so good, according to founder and chairman of property company Bruntwood Michael Oglesby.
In the company’s annual report, the 76-year-old entrepreneur and philanthropist admitted that is easy to be very despondent about the “world macro situation”.
But he goes on: “If we look at the micro regional situation, however, the outlook has never been better in the 45 years I have been in Manchester.
“This is a city that is clear where it wants to go and, fortunately, we have a Government that sees the po9litical capital in largely allowing us to get on with it.
“It is widely understood that there are only two cities in the UK which are ready to govern themselves and the other city, London, has yet to come to terms with how it pulls together many boroughs whereas we, in Manchester, have for some time been working closely in unison.
“The other city regions are moving towards similar structures and, as responsible members of the business community, we should actively assist them to make the necessary changes ot their governance systems.”
Oglesby’s family trust gives at least £750,000 a year to charity and Bruntwood gives 10% of its profits to charitable and community activities.
The company owns and manages numerous high profile buildings in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Liverpool, Birmingham and Leeds.
Oglesby also said it had been a strong year for Bruntwood, with the “rebuilding of the balance sheet following the downturn”.
“The directors have shown considerable foresight in making selective disposals to add to this strength and allow us to invest in a major development programme.”
