Oldham Chronicle boss invites Prime Minister to Oldham to see the impact of Covid-19

Matt Ramsbottom and Boris Johnson

The boss of The Oldham Evening Chronicle has sent out an invitation to Boris Johnson, to visit Oldham and assess the impact of the pandemic on local businesses first hand. 

Matt Ramsbottom, Managing Director of Credible Media, would like the under-fire Prime Minsiter to meet company representatives and see how the restrictions and limitations put on people over the past two years, have had a direct impact on life.

Oldham hosts several Business Network Groups that have reported difficult trading conditions and although support has been made available in the past, several have not been able to access funds to support their particular industries.

Oldham is predominantly a community of SME's (Small Medium Enterprise businesses) and the impact of Covid has been immense.

Ramsbottom says there have been mixed experiences in the town: "Similar to the national picture, some businesses have weathered the storm, by going from strength to strength, others have regrettably failed, but most have adapted and are still trading, albeit in very difficult circumstances. 

"The national media is highlighting hospitality and entertainment as high impact industries, but there are many more support industries included in the supply chain that have had similar impact.

"Although Oldham has its detractors locally and nationally, it is a town rich in history and achievement.

"A quick online search gives numerous listings of both past and current world leading industries, business and individuals who all have their origins in this humble town.

The media owner says Oldham has been used as a "political football" on several occasions, including some quite recently.

"What most people outside the town don't know, is that Oldham is renowned for giving, charity work, great examples of multicultural comunity spirit and it's also a hotbed for creativity and music. 

"I think Boris Johnson would be pleasantly surprised if he took us up on our invitation. 

"My understanding is that he's a former journalist, so meeting the Oldham Evening Chronicle team, would be an added bonus.

"We think this would be a perfect opportunity for the Prime Minister to see how Oldham and towns and citites like ours, have been hit by the pandemic and how the situation could be eased, going forward."

If you're a company, or SME, that has been struggling during the pandemic, you can get in touch with us, using any of the contacts below.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.