I’ll put in an extra £1m - Stoller

Photo: Darren Robinson

PLEDGE: Norman Stoller outlines his plan at yesterday’s anniversary event.

OLDHAM ambassador Norman Stoller has pledged another million pounds for local entrepreneurs if his original funding runs out.

The inspirational businessman had originally pledged £1million over four years to help kickstart businesses and improve the future of the borough.

At an event to celebrate the first anniversary of the Oldham Enterprise Fund yesterday he promised another £1million from his Stoller Charitable Trust if his original contribution is spent earlier than anticipated.

The Oldham Enterprise Fund provides opportunities for local businesses to apply for grants and low-cost loans and offers a free programme of support to help people with their business ideas.

Speaking at the anniversary event held at Mahdlo, Mr Stoller (80) outlined the original plan for his donation.

He said: “The money was to be split into four parts, a quarter of a million in each year. But after this first year’s success, it is quite obvious the money is going to be spent within the first three years.

“If that happens, I will put another million pounds into the fund.”

Mr Stoller said he was proud to contribute to Oldham: “People say thank-you to me all the time but I am doing nothing but return what I have received from Oldham. Being able to put something back is a small gesture of my support.”

Council leader Jim McMahon said the Stoller Charitable Trust has helped wider regeneration of the borough.

“Norman has given us a future. The big regeneration projects in our area are important but the social regeneration in Oldham is just as essential.”