Stockport Business & Innovation Centre (SBIC) celebrated its first birthday in style with 80 guests attending a special first anniversary event last Tuesday 25th November.
Led by Centre Manager John Booth and Incubator Director Tony Corcoran guests enjoyed a special review of the first 12 months which has seen the Centre grow from 14 to 34 businesses and become the go-to facility for start-ups in Stockport.
The Stockport Council owned SBIC, based in Broadstone Mill, Reddish, and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, provides flexible office space specifically aimed at start-up businesses looking to make their first move into professional offices.
It also offers mentoring and business incubation services to help and support businesses as they grow.
Pictured Left:
MD Oxford Innovation Chris Allington; Paul Bradley, Bricks and Pieces; David Glover, Plasma Clean; Tony Corcoran, Incubation Director SBIC; Front row: Helen Lawson and Sophia Lucop-Leech of Inspired Goodbyes, Garry Diver, Ultimedia and John Booth Centre Manager, SBIC
Picture courtesy of Bellyflop TV
Companies from a range of industries including human resources, software, web design, creative and professional services have moved into the site with a collective employee total of 132, 30% more than at launch in November 2013.
Speaking at the event were tenants Plasma Clean, Inspired Goodbyes and Ultimedia who told stories about positive mentoring and significant individual progress.
Oxford Innovation, which runs the centre on behalf of Stockport Council, specialise in creating collaborative, nurturing communities around the UK.
Managing Director Chris Allington said that the provision of flexible business space to support the development of innovative companies was proven to work.
“We know that there is much higher chance of success for entrepreneurs in this environment and Stockport is a classic example of it.”
The centre has also attracted significant numbers of visitors thanks to the success of its business lounge, which has attracted over 70 members, and corporate bookings of its conference rooms which have increased five-fold in recent months.
Councillor Patrick McAuley, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said:
“Twelve months on SBIC is still proving to be a popular and successful destination for a range of businesses. We want to continue to develop its very particular brand of hosting and mentoring which means so much to these start-up organisations.”
John Booth, centre manager at SBIC, said:
“We knew we had something special to offer fledgling business owners looking for the right environment to build their business. Our first year has exceeded all expectations. There is a vibrancy and buzz which is not only helping businesses to flourish, but actually driving trade between them, which is hugely satisfying to see.”
The Centre has a range of ‘journey’ options from simple business lounge membership (free for the first six months) to hot desking and beyond. Customers can rent office space from 1 to 16 desk sizes, with a typical space being around four to five desks.
This approach allows businesses to develop at their own pace in a unique environment.
John Booth again:
“It is a successful formula which attracts like-minded people who then take the vision forward. It’s been a great first year and we look forward to many more.”
For more information about SBIC contact John Booth on 0161 443 4100 or email stockport@oxin.co.uk