Boost Jobs, Businesses with ‘Exceptional’ Investment Returns
An independent economic assessment has found that Rochdale Development Agency is delivering strong value for money. The Mickledore report, based on 2024/25 performance, estimates £14.30 in local Gross Value Added for every £1 spent.
Independent assessment and value for money
The study benchmarks the agency against comparable UK development bodies. Rochdale Development Agency recorded a Benefit Cost Ratio of 14.3. That far exceeds the report benchmark of 2 and the government guideline threshold of 4 for Very High value for money.
Key quantitative findings
- 765 jobs created, supported or safeguarded with agency input.
- 699 local businesses received support.
- £30.6 million in GVA generated in a single year.
- Approximately £131 million in GVA projected across five years.
- £1.24 million additional income for Rochdale Borough Council from rents, business rates and council tax.
- Highest level of job creation among all comparator agencies in the review.
Strategic projects and wider benefits
The report highlights the agency’s role in major regeneration programmes. These include Atom Valley, Northern Gateway and the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre.
Town centre regeneration, skills initiatives, culture and placemaking were also noted. These efforts boost confidence, improve perceptions and build investment pipelines.
Culture year and local impact
Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture was a focal point for local promotion. The agency supported 244 events and attracted more than 150,000 visitors.
Those activities generated a local economic uplift of about £5 million, according to the assessment.
Leadership and next steps
Rachel Laver is the agency’s new managing director. She described the findings as evidence of strong local delivery and deep partnerships.
RDA plans to help open the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre in Atom Valley. The organisation will also support the development of Middleton and the Northern Gateway through Mayoral Development Corporations led by GMCA.
Outlook
The assessment says Rochdale’s economic performance has strengthened compared to five years ago. That improvement occurred despite challenging national and global conditions.
RDA’s approach seeks to Boost Jobs and to cultivate Businesses with ‘Exceptional’ Investment Returns. The report positions the agency as a locally led model for inclusive, sustainable growth.
This report was summarised for Filmogaz.com from the independent Mickledore assessment of 2024/25 performance.
