IPM welcomes Jo Platt MP to Manchester Metropolitan University

Pictured left to right: Ian Harvey, Madeleine Davidson-Emmons, Jo Platt MP, Chloe Steadman, Steve Millington, Cathy Parker MBE SFIPM and Dominic Medway

It was a privilege to welcome Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton and Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, to the Institute of Place Management office at Manchester Metropolitan University.

The visit gave us an opportunity to share our work and discuss issues that I know matter to many of you: the importance of skilled place leaders, the support communities will need to make Pride in Place a success, and the role of SME support in high street transformation.

We also discussed the foundational economy and the role of high streets in providing everyday goods, services and employment, including that vital first job for young people. This led to a conversation about the potential for a high street apprenticeship scheme to support young people who are not in education, employment or training. We shared Manchester Met’s expertise in degree apprenticeships and discussed how this could contribute.

For me, these conversations are an opportunity to highlight the work our members do every day and reinforce the need to invest in the people, skills and partnerships that help places thrive. I am keen that practical experience continues to inform national discussions about the future of our high streets and neighbourhoods.

Jo also spent time with colleagues across Manchester Met, including Vice-Chancellor Malcolm Press CBE, learning more about our world-class research and education and our contribution to communities locally, regionally and nationally.

Thank you to Jo for such an engaging discussion and to Simon Wilde for organising the visit.