History & Origins of the Manchester Solutions Group
1990
Manchester TEC Limited was set up as a company limited by guarantee with an employer-led Board. Its role was to work in partnership to foster economic growth and contribute to the regeneration of the local area, focusing in particular on the human resource aspects of regeneration. TECs had specific responsibility for developing the quality, effectiveness and relevance to the local labour market of the Government-funded training and business assistance programmes. Manchester TEC operated under contract to the Government until 2000 in the City Pride area of Manchester, Salford, Tameside and Trafford.
1995
Proactively diversifying funding base to reduce dependency on main TEC contract. Joint membership scheme with Manchester Chamber of Commerce introduced.
1999
Government decision to create Learning and Skills Councils and to abolish TECs. The company divisionalised activity in order to have 12 months to prepare financially in the run up to losing the TEC contract.
2000 - 2004
In March 2000, partners came together to form the Manchester Enterprise Group. The company changed its name to Manchester Enterprises and devolved activities to operating companies. Business Support services from both the TEC and Manchester Chamber transferred to a joint venture company (CBE) which also administered Chamber membership. The geography of the Group expanded to include Stockport and some staff transferred to the LSC and ES. The members of Manchester Enterprises became the Partners' Council.
Between 2000 and 2004, companies joined the group including Careers Solutions (formerly Better Choices, Careers Partnership) in June 2000, new companies were formed, and the geography expanded to all ten local authorities in Greater Manchester. In 2004 Manchester Enterprises became recognised as the Economic Development Agency for Greater Manchester working in partnership with the NWDA. The members became the GM Forum.
2005
Joint review commissioned with the LSC due to a perceived conflict of interest between ME acting as a strategic body and deliverer of provision through its operating companies.
2006
The ME Group split between strategy and delivery. The Manchester Solutions company used the existing corporate vehicle. A new company was formed and this took the Manchester Enterprises name, Board and GM Forum membership. All operating companies except MIDAS became Manchester Solutions Group companies. MIDAS joined the strategic side. The delivery side company Membership became the Board of Directors. A commissioning agreement was put in place between AGMA, GMCC and Manchester Solutions for AGMA and GMCC to approve Manchester Solutions' strategic plan.
2007
New membership scheme launched April 2007 providing businesses with further access to Group services - adopted a similar logo to GMCC. Managed Workspace and Investment Committees established. CARNW and CfA joined the Group as subsidiaries of Business Support Solutions. Better Choices acquired Intrain. MS Acquired Training & Manpower, rebranded Automotive Solutions. Set up Business Regulation Solutions.
2008
Careers Solutions took on Rochdale Connexions Contract.
2009
Manchester Enterprises becomes AGMA's Commission for Economic Development