STOCKPORT BUSINESS INCUBATOR: ONE YEAR ON
Stockport Business Incubator is continuing to support start up businesses and has gone from strength to strength since its official opening in October 2008.
The project, a partnership between Stockport Council, the University of Manchester Incubator Company (UMIC) and Broadstone Mill, has transformed 12,000 sq ft of Broadstone Mill in Reddish into state-of-the-art workspace with business incubation facilities. The space was refurbished to provide high quality incubation facilities, designed to nurture and develop small businesses with the potential for high growth in a supportive environment. Businesses benefit from ‘easy in easy out’ flexible lease terms and the presence of on site business support and advice.
The space is owned and leased out by the not-for-profit Community Interest Company, Stockport Business Incubator Company (SBIC), enabling the high quality workspace to be made available for the incubation of new businesses.
The Incubator is now home to 15 companies from a variety of sectors including scientific businesses, creative enterprises and digital companies, which employ over 50 staff. SBIC is currently working on plans to expand into a further 25,000 sq ft of floor space at Broadstone Mill in order to provide more opportunities for new and small businesses.
Councillor Dave Goddard, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “We are committed to investing in and supporting entrepreneurialism in the borough. As part of the Stockport Boost campaign we have contributed a further £150,000 towards expanding and further improving the Incubator workspace and establishing a business start up centre.
“The aim of the Incubator centre is to support and develop a mix of sustainable knowledge-based companies, which in turn provides skilled, well-paid jobs for the local area. I would encourage existing businesses as well as start-ups to get in touch and see how the Incubator and new business start up centre could help your business grow.”
Mickey and Mallory is a creative marketing company and were one of the first Incubator tenants. Since they located in the Incubator 12 months ago their business has gone from strength to strength. Sarah Charlton from Mickey and Mallory, commented: “Stockport Incubator is a great place to locate because the facilities are perfect for a growing business with flexible offices, hot desks and meeting areas.”
New company From Hiring to Firing Ltd has just located in the Incubator and specialise in advising Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) on necessary employment responsibilities and procedures in an easy to understand format. Stuart Kay, from From Hiring to Firing, commented: “The help and support we have had from all involved in Stockport Incubator has been fantastic and in my opinion it is the best way to assist new businesses grow and attract employment.”
The new business start up centre will be opening within the next three months.
To find out more about Stockport Business Incubator, please contact Tony Walker or visit www.houldsworthvillage.co.uk/work
Further information on the Stockport Boost campaign can be found by visiting www.stockport.gov.uk/stockportboost (free internet access is available at all Stockport libraries).
ENDS