THE Conservative candidate for Greater Manchester mayor has pledged to put the area’s businesses on the global stage.

Sean Anstee launched his campaign manifesto alongside Communities and Local Government Minister, Sajid Javid, at the world-famous Bury Black Pudding Company yesterday.

Mr Anstee, who is the leader of Trafford Council, says that promoting industry in the city-region would be a key feature of his mayorship.

He said: “The Bury Black Pudding Company was the ideal place to launch to manifesto.

“They are the perfect example of a local company, passionate about their local roots, who have grown and now promote their product on the world stage.

“I want the same for Greater Manchester. We should be shouting about the great things we have here, saying to the world, look what we have to offer, Greater Manchester is open for business.

“The creation of a Mayor for Greater Manchester and the transfer of many powers from Westminster is that great opportunity.

“I believe we can make Greater Manchester world class and I’m excited to have the opportunity to show, in this manifesto, how we can use these new powers to improve our city region and its towns.”

Other policies he launched yesterday include the creation of a £1 billion housing fund to kickstart building on brownfield sites and establishing a “year of service” to encourage young people to get involved in the community.

Mr Anstee added: “I’m from here and for here. This is my home and I want everybody in Greater Manchester to have opportunities to realise their potential so nobody is held back, and nobody is left behind. We are a city that is on the verge of something special if we choose to take the opportunity.

“Eight million people live in the 40-mile radius around Manchester city centre. That makes us as big as Hong Kong, and twice as large as Los Angeles or Berlin. We have so much to offer the world.

“But, we have to get our city working better for all of us, which I believe as the Conservative candidate for Mayor, I would be best placed to do.”

Mr Javid said: “Sean is someone who understands issues here locally and how to get business done nationally and internationally.

“He would be a great ambassador for the region on the world stage. He is a local man, born locally, went to local schools.

“He took an apprenticeship when he was 16 and joined a local bank, where he helped create jobs and prosperity in this region. He is a man with a track record, he delivers, he gets things done, and he will make a fantastic mayor.”