Jobs scheme a winner with Scholes

FESTIVAL launch: Paul Scholes (centre left) with (from the left) Terry Flanagan, board chairman at Mahdlo, Jeremy Broadbent, OBLG, Dave Benstead, OBLG, John Townsend, OBLG, Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Oldham Council’s cabinet member for employment and enterprise, and Councillor Amanda Chadderton, cabinet member for education and safeguarding

MANCHESTER United legend Paul Scholes championed the “Get Oldham Working” campaign at the launch of an inaugural Oldham Festival of Business event at Mahdlo.

Oldham Business Leadership Group (OBLG), Oldham Council, Business Growth Hub and Mahdlo have combined to provide a series of events providing information, advice and discussion for local businesses during the 15-day festival.

Grasscroft resident and Latics fan Scholes spoke to the 200 guests alongside Mahdlo chairman Terry Flanagan about leadership and culture in the sporting world.

“Oldham is showing great commitment to get residents into employment,” said the retired United star.

“It’s brilliant to see partnership working between Mahdlo, OBLG and Oldham Council here in Oldham, supporting young people and giving them the best chance to find work.

“My children go to school here, I’ve lived here for 15 years and I’m proud to say that.”

The festival supports Oldham Council’s Get Oldham Working initiative which helps local residents into employment and aims to create 2,015 jobs or training opportunites by 2015.