Steve Kuncewicz, board member, RDA

Steve Kuncewicz is one of Manchester’s most high profile lawyers – but his roots are firmly in Rochdale.

He’s currently a partner and head of creative, digital and marketing at BLM and a board member of Rochdale Development Agency with a specific marketing brief.

Other than a spell at the University in Sheffield, Steve has lived in Heywood all his life and says one of his best decisions was to get involved in his home town.

He said: “A few years ago I was asked to join the RDA with a view to helping Rochdale succeed and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.

“It has a very rich history. Being the birthplace of co-operation isn’t just a slogan, it’s a way of life. The way the business community has come together in the wake of Covid-19 has been nothing short of inspirational.

“With the help of the fantastic marketing manager Alison Salas and the wider team at the RDA we were able to co-ordinate an art project in Baillie Street, which saw entries from as far afield as the USA express what the town means to them.

“I think the opening up the river and re-centering around 1 Riverside have been among the biggest improvements in Rochdale. That, and the new retailers we’ve been able to bring to the town centre, have transformed the visitor experience and we’re only just getting started.”

As a child Steve attended Hopwood County Primary in Heywood and says most of his early memories of Rochdale revolve around his love of films and music.

“I remember seeing Superman 2 at the ABC at the tender age of three,” he said. “After that, we used to make pilgrimages to the Wheatsheaf, Doctor Rock and Rocks Off on a regular basis. Coming into the town centre always felt special then, and it still does.”

Steve is passionate about Rochdale’s business credentials.

“It’s got excellent transport links to Manchester, the wider North West and the airport and a council which is working overtime to make the town the natural fit for businesses who are looking to scale and thrive,” he said.  “It also has a real sense of community, which is more important than ever.

“I think Rochdale’s best days are ahead of it. There’s always more work to be done, but when we’re able to get people back into the town centre I think we’re going to see more and more good news stories to come.”